Feudalism

&

Medieval PoliticsWestern Europe / Japan

Post Classical

600-1450

900 year period beginning with the decline of the Roman Empire until the 14th century C.E.

Divided into two periods:

I. Dark Ages (5th - 10th centuries)

II. Later Middle Ages (11th - 14th

centuries)

Germanic invasion finish the collapse of Roman Empire

No obedience of Roman Law

Hundreds of small kingdoms in constant warfare

Trade in W. Europe was dangerous

Roman roads deteriorate

Robbers and pirates made travel and trade dangerous

Lack of sufficient markets

Unemployment in cities; Urban decline in population

Urban to rural migration

Money falls into disuse

No means of collecting taxes

“Classical” schools of thought close or are destroyed

Arts , sciences, reading and writing neglected/forgotten

– Reading and writing forgotten*

– Culture not the concern

Survival = focus of daily life.

Monarchy: Kings,

Queens Prince/PrincessClergy: Pope, Bishops,

Cardinals, Friars

Nobles: Vassals and

Lords

Knights,

Lesser Nobles

Peasant (Serfs)

Feudalism

A king/queen or any royalty

The highest social rank

Head of state.

Ruled for life

Granted through hereditary.

Aristocratic rank traditionally hereditarily gained.

Homage to upper nobles/lords

Public acknowledgment of allegiance

Claims dominion over “a granted” portion of land (fief)

Controls production and labor

Peasants (serfs) living thereon.

A soldier of noble rank and sworn protectors for:

1. Monarchs

2. Nobles/Lords

3. Others

Sworn to followed The Code of Chivalry:

1. Brave in battle

2. Loyalty to Monarch and God

3. Sacrifice for good

4. Be merciful and humble.

5. Be Courteous and gracious towards women

Made up 90% of the population in Medieval Europe.

Serfs: A legal economic status under Feudalism.

– Laborers bound to the land.

Formed the lowest social class of the Feudal society.

Western Europe

Eastern Europe

Political

Institutions• Manorial System

• No central authority

• Emperor centralizing authority

• supported by bureaucracy.

Social Institutions

• Church = social and political unifier.

• Pope = spiritual head (strong centralizing figure.

• Latin (only in hands of religious hierarchy)

• Emperor and patriarch are co-heads of Church.

• Greek is the language of Church.

THE ATLANTIC WORLD:

VIKINGS AND FRANKS

AP World: Post

Classical Era

From 8th-12th Centuries

– Norwegians, Swedes, Danes

Viking Raids

– Legendary for ferocity and cruelty.

“Never before had such a terror appeared in Britain…” Alcuin 793AD

– Love of adventure was major part of Viking culture

If a male aged 50 had not yet embarked on a saga, his life was viewed as fruitless.

Long heroic stories combing mythology and fact:

– Erik the Red’s Saga

– Greenlander’s Saga

Originate from oral history

Viking explorations to N. America

Erik the Red

Leif Eriksson (1000 CE)

– 500 Years before Columbus

– Settlements do not last (reason unknown)

835 C.E. Britain invaded by the Vikings

“Norsemen”, “Northmen” - Normans

1016 C.E. – Canute (English King)

Fostered urban development

Eventual Assimilation

Established Dublin, Kingdom of York

Battle of Hastings 1066

William “The Conqueror” - Norman King (England).

Japanese Feudalism

Post Classical Era

in Far East

While geographically isolated, Japan will develop similar feudal system.

Clans- mutual cooperation / competition

600- Yamato clan (emperors) – fails

750 – Fujiwara clan (China) – hereditary hierarchy and feudal structure:

China – model of empire building

Emperor – largely figurehead

Daimyo/Shogun(ate)

Samurai

Peasants

Merchants

Genin (landless laborers)

Similar:

I. Code of Conduct (Chivalry / Bushido)

II. Hierarchies with Nobility at top levels

III. Agriculturally based

Different:

I. Role of the arts/ learning

II. Absence of religious oversight in Japan

III. Japan homogenous and linked culturally

IV. Western Europe developed a variety of cultures and languages

a. depending on geographic location.