Guided Reading: Medieval Europe
1. Defining What is feudalism?
Feudalism was a social system in medieval Europe where the king granted land to nobles (lords) in exchange for loyalty and military service. The nobles would then let vassals (lesser lords) manage parts of their land, and knights would protect the land and serve in battles. It was a way of organizing society based on land, protection, and service.
2. Differentiating:
| Lords | Vassals | Knights | |---------------------------|--------------------------|-----------------------------| | Own large amounts of land | Receive land from lords | Serve lords in battles | | Have power and wealth | Manage parts of the lord's land | Follow codes of chivalry | | Provide protection to vassals | Serve lords' needs | Sworn to loyalty to lords |
3. Listing: Five rules of chivalry.
- Always be loyal to your lord.
- Protect the weak and defenseless.
- Honor and respect women.
- Be brave in battle and never back down.
- Show courtesy to your enemies and respect for others in general.
4. Describing:
A medieval castle was a fortified structure built to protect lords and their families. It usually had thick stone walls, towers for lookout, and a moat for extra defense. Castles were often dark and cold inside, with narrow windows. The purpose was to provide safety from enemies, serve as a home for the lord, and sometimes to administer the surrounding lands.
5. Comparing and Contrasting:
Venn Diagram: Freemen vs. Serfs
| | Freemen | Serfs | |-------------------------|-------------------------------|-------------------------------| | BOTH | Worked on land | Worked in agriculture | | | Had some rights | Had very few rights | | | Could own property | Were bound to the land | | | Could leave whenever | Could not leave without permission | | | Paid rent for land | Worked in exchange for protection |
6. Explaining:
Life was tougher for serfs because they were tied to the land. They weren't allowed to leave without permission from their lord and had to work very hard just to survive. They didn’t own anything and were often required to give a portion of their harvest to the lord. Plus, they had much less freedom compared to freemen who could move and choose their own work.
7. Identifying:
Three improvements that helped medieval farmers:
- The heavy plow, which allowed for better soil turning and increased crop yields.
- Three-field system of crop rotation that improved soil fertility and reduced fallow time.
- Improved livestock breeding practices that led to stronger animals for work and food.
8. Determining Causes and Effects:
After the 1100s, the increase in trade led to several effects:
- Towns and cities began to grow as more people moved to trade and work.
- The rise of a merchant class that became wealthier and more influential.
- An increase in the demand for goods, leading to more production and innovation.
9. Assessing:
The growth of a new middle class challenged feudalism because as merchants and craftsmen prospered, they gained wealth and influence. They didn't rely solely on land like the nobles and often sought more power and rights, which weakened the strict social hierarchy of feudalism.
10. Explaining:
A guild is an association of artisans or merchants who oversee the practice of their trade and protect their interests. Medieval guilds set standards for quality, offered protection for their members, and often established training programs for apprentices in their trades.
11. Describing:
Living conditions in a medieval city were pretty rough. Streets were narrow and often dirty, filled with waste and sometimes even animals. There was a lot of overcrowding, and houses were usually small and poorly built. People didn't have access to modern sanitation, and diseases could spread quickly. However, cities were also lively places with markets, festivals, and a lot of opportunities for work.
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