What is fedual system and serfdom

^{The period of history from the 5th to the 15th century was known as the Middle Ages.  During this time, the law of the land in Europe was known as the “feudal system.”  This was the manner in which the upper 10% (the nobility) controlled the lower 90% (the serfs or peasants).}

^{There were a few kings who were very wealthy and powerful, who owned all of the land.  To maintain control of this land, it was broken into fiefdoms and pieces were given to friends of the kings (barons).  The barons then allotted land to their friends and allies in order to govern efficiently.  It was in this manner that the “nobility” was created, and the land passed down through these select few families by manner of inheritances.} 

^{The reward of  being delegated this control came at a price.  To maintain the control of the fiefdoms, manors and estates, the nobility had to pledge fealty to the kings and pay them taxes and homage.}

^{It is estimated that just over 90% of the population of Europe were peasants.  Most peasants were basically slaves.  They were provided with a small shelter on an inferior piece of land and the “protection” of the noble in charge of that area. In return, they worked for the estate, farming the land with no recompense, paying taxes and having no control over their own lives.  Some peasants were “free” and had their own small businesses: blacksmiths, carpenters, bakers, etc.  They paid for the protection of the “lord” with money, goods and services.}

^{Peasants had few rights.  They could be taxed at any time, were obligated to use (and pay for) services of the manor like mills or large ovens, and had to request permission for marriages, change of locations or educating their children.}

^{Each year, the peasant was required to give the best part of his harvest to the lord of the manor. The peasants were not allowed to own things that made their lives easier, like oxen or horses, for example. A peasant did not own the land on which he lived and was therefore obligated to live where he was told, grow what he was told, and farm in the manner in which he was told. They were not allowed to hunt on the lord’s land – poaching was an offense punishable by death.  They were not allowed to cut trees for firewood, but forced to gather fallen branches in order to stay warm.  A peasant was not allowed to have real, effective weapons – those were reserved for the armies of the nobility, in order to keep the peasants in line and immediately quell any quest for dignity and independence.}

^{Most of the peasants seemed content with the arrangement because they received security and safety from the lord.  He was obligated to protect them from marauders and barbarians, and provide enough land for subsistence. Serfs could be used as a commodity, and traded.  If the control of the land changed hands, the serfs were included in the transaction.}