An+Overview+Of+Feudalism

__**WHAT WAS THE FEUDAL SYSTEM?**__

Feudalism was the governing system in the Middle Ages. There were MANY social classes within the feudal system.

At the top of the feudal system was the Pope or The Church.

Just below the Pope and Church in power, were the King and Queen. (Monarchy)

After the King and Queen came the Nobles. (Lords)

Fourth in power and influence were the Knights and Vassals.

Next in the feudal system were the Merchants, Farmers, and Craftsmen.

At the bottom of the 'food-chain' were the Peasants and the Serfs.

__**WHY DID THIS SYSTEM DEVELOP?**__

The feudal system developed out of the need for a stronger line of power and command. This system provided greater security for the Manors across the country. Frequent and violen attacks from outside forces lead to a need for each manor to be able to exist if cut off from their support system of government. The feudal system slowly but surely defined social classes and jobs in and around each manor.

**__HOW DID IT WORK?__** The peasants and the serfs provided the labor to tend the crops and keep the manor working and producing to support itself. The merchants, farmers and craftsmen built, distributed and sold their goods to other consumers and traders inside and outside the manor. The Knights defended the manor and patrolled the land and borders to ensure the safety of those living within the manor. The Vassals were the "managers of the manor" as far as the work and production was concerned. The peasants and serfs gave the vassals half of their crops and paid large taxes. The Vassal then passed on the peasant/serf amounts along with a portion of his earnings to the Lord of the manor. The Lord of the manor was the controlling person for the entire manor. The money and goods received by him through the lower classes were then passed onto the King. He was allowed to keep some of this wealth for his manor. The King received great wealth through the feudal system with many, many manors providing income and goods to him. With his great wealth coming from so many sources, he had the ability to maintain strong armies, solid control of everything and a very, very incredible lifestyle of luxury. The King who was at the top of the power system of the 'country' still had the Pope and The Church above him. The Church and the Pope were considered divine in power. The were considered the closest and most direct link to God.