The Development of Feudalism in Western Europe

Directions: You will create a concept web over the major topics of literature and philosophy. You will place the terms inside of your web and connect words by lines and writing connector phrases between the words. Try to make as many connections as you can. Most words connect to multiple other words. Your connector phrases are explanations of how the two terms relate to one another.

Knight Lord Monarch Peasants Moats

Roman Catholic Church Manors Fiefs Nobles


Feudalism


Nobles and Peasants

Complete the Venn diagram to compare and contrast the lives of nobles and peasants on a feudal manor. In the overlapping parts of the ovals, write or draw three ways these groups were similar. In each of the other parts of the ovals, draw or write three ways they were different.

1. 
   What were Charlemagne’s greatest accomplishments? How was he helped by the Catholic Church?
   

2. 
   Why was there a need for order after the death of Charlemagne in 814?
   

Pretend you are a knight in medieval Europe. You would like to let future generations of your family know what life was like on a feudal manor. Write a letter to them below. Be sure to mention these things:

• 
  The main groups of people who live on your manor
  
• 
  What each person or group does for the others
  
• 
  What works well in the feudal system and why
  
• 
  What doesn’t work well in the feudal system and why
  

Social Classes in Feudal Europe	Individuals/ Groups in Our Society	Similarities and Differences between these two groups
Monarch
Lords
Knights
Peasants

• 
  This nickname was given to the Middle Ages. _______________
  
• 
  The period known as “The Middle Ages” is characterized by trade, land ownership, strong central govt. or no religion? Explain your selection. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
  

• 
  Who would most likely have said, “If you give me your loyalty, I will give you land and protection.”? __________________________
  
• 
  What was a knight’s most important training? There is debate for the correct answer here—so think of what their main purpose was in the Feudalism activity. __________________________________________________________________
  
• 
  Serf were peasants who were not allowed to _________________________________.
  
• 
  What do these medieval items have in common? _____________________________
  
  • 
    Stone Wall
    
  • 
    Moat
    
  • 
    Knight’s armor
    
• 
  In the feudal system an individual’s social status was generally determined by what? ___________
  
• 
  What does the word feudalism mean? ________________________________________________________________
  
• 
  Which city was added to the empire by Charlemagne by 814? ________________
  
• 
  On which river is Tours located? __________________________
  
• 
  Which island was added by Charlemagne by 814? _________________________
  
• 
  What physical feature did Charlemagne cross to enter Italy? __________________