FEUDALISM & MANORIALISM MEDIEVAL SOCIETY I. Beginnings A. Invasions B. Migration to interior 1. Peasants 90% of population a. Free peasants & serfs 2. Landholders exchange land for protection 3. Rise of self-sufficiency & manorialism C. Charles Martel & contact with Muslims 1. Stirrup & saddle 2. Pay soldiers in land in return for service II. Feudalism Common Traits 1. Ties of loyalty & duty 2. Landholding 3. Rule by local officials Relationship Between Nobles 4. Clergy swear fealty to King for office a. Lay Investiture controversy (11th & 12th centuries) 2. Lords powerful families remain after fall of Rome 3. Vassals freemen with no family, weak seek out strong C. Vassalage & Fief 1. Fealty dont do anything to hurt Lord 2. Obligations reciprocal - Homage a. military duty, member of court, financial assistance b. protection, care for heirs and family D. Problems 1. Vassals of Vassals of Vassals 2. Land & Hereditary 3. Relationship declines E. Feudal Life 1. Warfare, Castles, Entertainment, Children III. Manorialism Decline of Trade & Rise of Agriculture Manor Controls Agrarian Economy 1. Exchange land for protection several 100 to 1,000 acres 2. Lords appoint officials as overseers Peasant Life 3. Free v. Serf 4. Improvements Plow & 3 Field System