Feudalism in Western Europe – Flashcards
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When were the Middle Ages?
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476 CE to 1450 CE
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Feudalism
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the economic and political system of medieval Europe in which people exchanged loyalty and labor for a lord's protection
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Who was King Clovis?
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Leader of the Franks.
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When did King Clovis rule?
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481 CE to 511 CE
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What religion did King Clovis help spread throughout Europe?
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Christianity
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Charlemagne
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leader of the Franks who ruled from 768 CE to 814 CE
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How did Charlemagne's relationship with the Catholic Church benefit both parties?
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For Charlemagne, the blessing of the church sent the message, "God is on my side." For his part, Pope Leo needed the support of someone with an army.
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Why was there a need for order after the death of Charlemagne?
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Three groups threatened to invade Europe after Charlemagne's death -- Muslims (Middle East), Magyars (Asia), and Vikings (Norway and Denmark).
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Describe the basic structure of feudalism (the social pyramid).
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The monarch was at the top of the pyramid. The monarch gave land (fiefs) to his lords, who provided knights in times of war. The lords gave land and food to knights, who fought for them. The lords rented land and gave protection to peasants, who worked the land. Serfs were at the bottom of the pyramid. They worked the land they were born on in exchange for protection.
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What was the purpose of feudalism?
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Feudalism provided social order and offered protection in exchange for loyalty and work.
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fief
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land granted by a lord to a vassal in exchange for loyalty and service
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serf
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A peasant who could not leave the lord's land on which he or she was born and worked.
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What is a monarch?
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a king or queen
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According to medieval tradition, where does a monarch's authority come from?
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from God ("divine right")
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Why is William the Conqueror considered to be an important monarch?
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He brought feudalism to England from Europe and strong rulers brought order to England.
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chivalry
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the medieval knight's code of ideal behavior, including bravery, loyalty, and respect for women
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manor house
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built of wood or stone, they were surrounded by gardens and outbuildings like kitchens and stables and protected by high walls
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who lived at a manor house
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the lord and lady of the manor, along with their families and servants
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Monarch - Lords (gave/got)
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gave: land to lords got: loyalty and knights from lords
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Lords - Knights (gave/got)
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gave: land to knights got: loyalty and service from knights
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Lords - peasants (gave/got)
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gave: land and protection to the peasants got: loyalty, crops and animals from peasants
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Lords - serfs (gave/got)
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gave: protection to the serfs got: loyalty, crops and animals from serfs
