European+Middle+Ages

= The Development of Feudalism in Western Europe =

= Key Terms & People =
 * [|feudalism] (YouTube)
 * [|Charlemagne] (Charles the Great)
 * fiefs
 * divine right of kings
 * [|knights] & chivalry
 * peasants v. [|serfs] (YouTube)

= Main Ideas =

** 1. Germanic Kingdoms (Franks) Unite Under Charlemagne (Frey pg. 20 & 21) ** Invasions cause the fall of the Roman Empire which is replaced by small kingdoms. The leader of Frankish kingdom converts to Christianity. This religion spreads through Western Europe as the Frankish kingdom expands. Charlemagne builds the Frankish kingdom into an empire.

** 2. Feudalism in Europe (Frey pg. 21 - 29) ** New invasions create chaos in Western Europe. People look to local leaders, rather than to a central ruler for protection. The system of feudalism develops, in which protection is provided in exchange for land or labor. Social classes become well defined under this system.
 * Feudal System
 * Feudalism Skit ([|Handout] & [|Rubric)]
 * [|Story Plot & Structure] (Pages)

** 3. The Age of Chivalry (Frey pg. 27) ** Feudal lords create private armies of knights, who live by a complex set of ideas that guide behavior. Warfare is brutal, but poems idealize the life of knights. In literature and songs, women are glorified as objects of romantic love. In reality most women are powerless.

** 4. The Role of the Church in Medieval Europe (Frey pg. 31 - 41) **

During the Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church played a big role in providing education, ensuring salvation, and preserving culture.


 * media type="custom" key="13365860"

** Overview: ** After Charlemagne’s empire dissolves, people look to local leaders for protection from invaders. **Feudalism** develops as a result of this need for protection and social order.

= Resources =
 * Cornell Notes - [|Development of Feudalism in Western Europe]
 * Cornell Notes - [|Japanese Feudalism]
 * Civilization Benchmark #7 -[| Hierarchy Systems for Order & Protection] (Pages)