Research Notes: Eastern Europe

Question

Research Notes: Eastern Europe
Important people/groups
Important Facts about the Development of Feudalism:
Important dates
Important places
Social structure
Political structure
Economic structure

Research Notes: Western Europe
Important people/groups
Important Facts about the Development of Feudalism:
Important dates
Important places
Social structure
Political structure
Economic structure

Discuss two similarities and two differences between feudalism in Eastern and Western Europe.

In a 3-5 sentence paragraph, do you feel the Eastern and Western European feudal systems were more similar or more different? Why do you think so? Support your opinion with facts

2. Use the next slide to record your source information for MLA citations later.
Author &/or editor (last name first):
“Title of article” (in quotation marks):
Title of website (in italics):
Publisher Name:
Date of resource creation:
URL:
Date of access:

GPT-4o mini · Answer

# Research Notes: Eastern Europe ### Important People/Groups - Slavic tribes - The Byzantine Empire - Nobility (Boyars) - The Mongols (Golden Horde) - Polish kings and princes - The Grand Duchy of Lithuania ### Important Facts about the Development of Feudalism - Feudalism in Eastern Europe emerged as a response to invasions (Mongols, Tatars) and the need for local defense. - The system was characterized by less rigid class distinctions compared to Western Europe. - The influence of the Byzantine Empire played a vital role, particularly in the spread of Orthodox Christianity and centralized power. ### Important Dates - 9th century: Emergence of Slavic principalities. - 1240: Mongol invasion leads to the establishment of the Golden Horde. - 1386: Union of Krewo, which leads to the rise of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. ### Important Places - Kiev (Kyivan Rus') - Moscow - Krakow - Novgorod ### Social Structure - King or Grand Duke at the top, though power was often decentralized. - Nobility (Boyars) held significant land and power. - Peasants, including serfs, often bound to land and servitude. ### Political Structure - Feudal lords governed local territories with varying degrees of allegiance to a central authority. - Fragmentation of power due to invasions and warfare. - The influence of the Orthodox Church was significant in political matters. ### Economic Structure - Economy primarily agrarian, with serfs farming lands owned by nobles. - Trade centered around cities like Novgorod and Kiev. - Limited monetary economy, with barter being common. # Research Notes: Western Europe ### Important People/Groups - Carolingian Dynasty (Charlemagne) - Feudal lords and nobles (e.g., counts, dukes) - Knights - The Catholic Church (Papal authority) - Merchants and Guilds ### Important Facts about the Development of Feudalism - Feudalism solidified following the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century. - The system was structured and hierarchical, with vassals swearing loyalty to lords in exchange for land. - Chivalric codes dictated the conduct of knighthood and military service. ### Important Dates - 843: Treaty of Verdun divides the Carolingian Empire. - 1066: Norman Conquest of England. - 1215: Magna Carta limits the power of the king. ### Important Places - France (notably Normandy) - England - The Holy Roman Empire (Germany and Italy) - Burgundy ### Social Structure - King at the top, followed by a hierarchy of nobles (lords and vassals), knights, and peasants or serfs. - Clear demarcation of social classes, with each having specific rights and duties. - The Church held significant social power, shaping morals and education. ### Political Structure - Kings ruled with divine right, but nobles held local power over territories. - Feudal contracts were the backbone of political relationships. - The Church was a powerful political entity influencing monarchs and legislation. ### Economic Structure - Manorial system defined rural economy, where lords owned large estates worked by serfs. - Trade and commerce began revitalization in the late Middle Ages, with the rise of towns and merchant classes. - Use of money became more common during the later stages of feudalism. # Discussion of Similarities and Differences ### Similarities 1. Both Eastern and Western European feudalism were marked by a hierarchical structure where land ownership determined power and social status. 2. In both regions, the nobility played a critical role in governance and local administration, providing protection and resources to their vassals and serfs. ### Differences 1. Eastern European feudalism often had a more fluid social structure with less rigid divisions, influenced by the Mongol invasions and the Byzantine Empire's impact, whereas Western feudalism had clearly defined categories and codes of conduct (like chivalry). 2. The political influence of the Orthodox Church in Eastern Europe shaped more centralized powers in some regions, while Western Europe saw the Catholic Church as both a spiritual and political constant, often challenging secular authority. In conclusion, I believe the feudal systems of Eastern and Western Europe were more different than similar due to the unique historical circumstances that shaped each region. Eastern European feudalism was heavily influenced by external forces, such as the Mongols and the Byzantine Empire, leading to a more decentralized and less hierarchical structure. In contrast, Western European feudalism was characterized by a defined hierarchy, chivalric codes, and a powerful Catholic Church, which helped maintain centralized authority. These distinctions illustrate how distinct historical contexts influenced the development of feudalism in each region. # MLA Citation Author &/or editor (last name first): “Title of article” (in quotation marks): Title of website (in italics): Publisher Name: Date of resource creation: URL: Date of access: (Complete this citation with information related to your chosen sources when you conduct your research.)