Do you think the social standing of merchants during the Middle Ages helped or hurt the economy
Document E: Feudalism in Europe, Graphic
During the Middle Ages, the king ruled over a large area of land; however, the king parceled out land to nobles, who in return promised to serve the king. For protection, nobles sought the allegiance of knights. In return for his allegiance, a knight usually received a piece of the noble’s land. Some church officials also owned land.
Artisans often worked on a manor for a lord; some worked in towns. Usually, merchants were located in cities. Merchants and artisans were not involved in the exchange of land for services, as were the king, nobles, and church officials. The peasants, called serfs, farmed the land for nobles and other landowners.
Document Analysis
- Do you think the social standing of merchants during the Middle Ages helped or hurt the economy? Explain.
- Do you think church officials had a large amount of influence in the feudal system? Explain.
- In the feudal system, do you think knights ever felt conflicting loyalties? Explain.
