Feudalism, Manorialism, and the Hundred Years War

WHY FEUDALISM?

Feudalism was a reaction to the chaos and violence that engulfed much of Europe during the 9th and 10th centuries.

• Invasions
• Famine
• Collapse of Trade
• Weak Central Governments

WHO WILL CONTROL THIS NEW SOCIETY?

RISE OF MOUNTED CAVALRY

• Horsemen had originally been archers and spear-throwers
• Introduction of high saddle, stirrups, and larger horses allowed horsemen (knights) to wear heavy armor and fight w/ long lances
• Knights required resources to provide horses, armor, and weapons, and time with which to practice military skills

WHAT WAS FEUDALISM?

• A form of social organization in which subordinates provided superiors w/ allegiance and military service in exchange for protection and support
• Feudalism varied GREATLY from place to place; there was no standard system.

The Feudal Relationship

LORD

• Provided physical protection for vassal and support in legal disputes

• Provided land (a fief) on which a vassal could support himself

VASSAL

• Provided military service (and perhaps supplied additional knights)

• Served as advisor and member of court

• Provided financial payments (e.g. ransom, wedding gifts)

MANORIALISM

Economic system in which lords provided peasants protection in exchange for labor and produce

The Manorial Relationship

LORD

• Provided physical protection & sustenance

• Provided plot of land & home

SERF

• Labored on lord’s land (demesne)

• Provided share of produce and performed other services

• Subject to lord’s judicial and police powers

• Personal freedoms restricted

A TYPICAL MANOR

Changes of High Middle Ages (A.D. 1000-1300)

Agricultural Improvements Population Increase Revival of Trade Growth of Cities Decline of Feudalism and Manorialism

AGRICULTURAL IMPROVEMENTS

• Heavy Plow

• Clearing of New Lands

• 3-Field System

• Collar Harness

• Horseshoes

• Water & Windmills

AS A RESULT ...

FOOD PRODUCTION INCREASES!

• 1050 - 1300 Population of Europe Triples

• More Labor Available to Perform Non-farming Tasks

• Greater Demand for Manufactured Goods

• Trade Expands to Meet New Demand

REVIVAL OF TRADE

• Crusades increased demand for luxury goods from Near East

• Italian city-states became trade leaders in Mediterranean

• Manufacturing slowly developed (notably textiles)

RISE OF TOWNS

• Growing food supply and rising trade caused dramatic growth in size of towns and cities
• Towns bought charters from lords granting them special privileges and independence
• Merchants and artisans formed guilds to protect their interests

DECLINE OF MANORIALISM

• Lords began granting serfs freedom and charging cash rents for the use of land (Wanted $ to buy luxury goods and finance wars)

• Many serfs moved to towns in search of new opportunities and independence (“Town air brings freedom”) Serfs who ran away and remained in a town for a year and a day without being recaptured won their freedom

• A middle class emerged that was bound to no lord and was focused on acquiring wealth rather than meeting the obligations of the manor

DECLINE OF FEUDALISM AND RISE OF STRONG MONARCHIES

• Prior to rise of trade, kings lacked wealth to support own armies (Unable to collect much in taxes through the feudal system)

• Power of kings was limited by power of vassals and the Church

• Kings able to win loyalty of towns (whose populations were not attached to feudal lords) by maintaining better environment for trade and business

• Rise of trade and use of money allowed kings to collect large amounts of taxes for first time

The new wealth acquired through taxation and the support of towns gave kings the power to assert their dominance over lesser lords and create strong monarchies (esp. in England, France, and Spain).