5/16/14

Today in class, we went over the answers to our test. I was very happy with my grade. A 96 was probably one of the best grades I have gotten in my class. It moved my grade up to an 90! Which is an A. I am pretty happy with my grades right now. I have five A's and 2 B's. My goal is to get second honors. I have had second honors all year long and I would like to keep it up.

Feudalism: a political, military and economic system based on land-holding and protective alliances.
Rich dude (Lord)- "I own land; I need people to help me work it and defend it."
Tough dudes (Vassals)- "There are a lot of us, we can help the rich dudes hold on tot here land."

The Feudal Pyramid:

1. King
2. Vassals- (nobles and bishops)
3. Knights- mounted warriors who received fiefs for defending their lords land
4. Peasants- (mostly serfs)
• landless, powerless, moneyless, rights-less, just working the land for "the man" (their lord)  

Mind your Manors

• Manor: the lord's estate
• the lord's manor house
• a church
• some workshops
• 15-30 families
• all on a few square miles
• Good news: it's a self- sufficient community
• Bad news- it's harsh if you're a peasant

How harsh is it?

• Peasants are poor and pay high taxes
• tax on grain
• tax on marriage
• Church tax (tithe= 10% of their income)
• They live in crowed cottages
• Live with animals and insects
• Eat VERY simply
• the church says this is your lot in life
• God determines your place in society