feudalism medieval politics - delaware valley school...
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Feudalism
&
Medieval PoliticsWestern Europe / Japan
Post Classical
600-1450
900 year period beginning with the decline of the Roman Empire until the 14th century C.E.
Divided into two periods:
I. Dark Ages (5th - 10th centuries)
II. Later Middle Ages (11th - 14th
centuries)
Germanic invasion finish the collapse of Roman Empire
No obedience of Roman Law
Hundreds of small kingdoms in constant warfare
Trade in W. Europe was dangerous
Roman roads deteriorate
Robbers and pirates made travel and trade dangerous
Lack of sufficient markets
Unemployment in cities; Urban decline in population
Urban to rural migration
Money falls into disuse
No means of collecting taxes
“Classical” schools of thought close or are destroyed
Arts , sciences, reading and writing neglected/forgotten
– Reading and writing forgotten*
– Culture not the concern
Survival = focus of daily life.
Monarchy: Kings,
Queens Prince/PrincessClergy: Pope, Bishops,
Cardinals, Friars
Nobles: Vassals and
Lords
Knights,
Lesser Nobles
Peasant (Serfs)
Feudalism
A king/queen or any royalty
The highest social rank
Head of state.
Ruled for life
Granted through hereditary.
Aristocratic rank traditionally hereditarily gained.
Homage to upper nobles/lords
Public acknowledgment of allegiance
Claims dominion over “a granted” portion of land (fief)
Controls production and labor
Peasants (serfs) living thereon.
A soldier of noble rank and sworn protectors for:
1. Monarchs
2. Nobles/Lords
3. Others
Sworn to followed The Code of Chivalry:
1. Brave in battle
2. Loyalty to Monarch and God
3. Sacrifice for good
4. Be merciful and humble.
5. Be Courteous and gracious towards women
Made up 90% of the population in Medieval Europe.
Serfs: A legal economic status under Feudalism.
– Laborers bound to the land.
Formed the lowest social class of the Feudal society.
Western Europe
Eastern Europe
Political
Institutions• Manorial System
• No central authority
• Emperor centralizing authority
• supported by bureaucracy.
Social Institutions
• Church = social and political unifier.
• Pope = spiritual head (strong centralizing figure.
• Latin (only in hands of religious hierarchy)
• Emperor and patriarch are co-heads of Church.
• Greek is the language of Church.
THE ATLANTIC WORLD:
VIKINGS AND FRANKS
AP World: Post
Classical Era
From 8th-12th Centuries
– Norwegians, Swedes, Danes
Viking Raids
– Legendary for ferocity and cruelty.
“Never before had such a terror appeared in Britain…” Alcuin 793AD
– Love of adventure was major part of Viking culture
If a male aged 50 had not yet embarked on a saga, his life was viewed as fruitless.
Long heroic stories combing mythology and fact:
– Erik the Red’s Saga
– Greenlander’s Saga
Originate from oral history
Viking explorations to N. America
Erik the Red
Leif Eriksson (1000 CE)
– 500 Years before Columbus
– Settlements do not last (reason unknown)
835 C.E. Britain invaded by the Vikings
“Norsemen”, “Northmen” - Normans
1016 C.E. – Canute (English King)
Fostered urban development
Eventual Assimilation
Established Dublin, Kingdom of York
Battle of Hastings 1066
William “The Conqueror” - Norman King (England).
Japanese Feudalism
Post Classical Era
in Far East
While geographically isolated, Japan will develop similar feudal system.
Clans- mutual cooperation / competition
600- Yamato clan (emperors) – fails
750 – Fujiwara clan (China) – hereditary hierarchy and feudal structure:
China – model of empire building
Emperor – largely figurehead
Daimyo/Shogun(ate)
Samurai
Peasants
Merchants
Genin (landless laborers)
Similar:
I. Code of Conduct (Chivalry / Bushido)
II. Hierarchies with Nobility at top levels
III. Agriculturally based
Different:
I. Role of the arts/ learning
II. Absence of religious oversight in Japan
III. Japan homogenous and linked culturally
IV. Western Europe developed a variety of cultures and languages
a. depending on geographic location.