4.2 Emperors, kings and lords

• History
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 1

4.2 Emperors, kings and lords

Learning objectives 

1. You can describe how the Frankisch Empire started 
2. You can explain how the feudal system worked 
3. You can explain what consequences the feudal system had for how Europe was governed.

New rulers in Europe 

Clovis was leader of the Franks around 500. 

Two reasons his empire grew 

1. He was a good army leader 

2. He worked closely with the church. 

(govern, educate and give power in return) 

High point of the Frankish Empire around 800 

Charlemagne ( Carolus Magnus ) 

The feudal system

The Frankish kings could not afford armies like the Romans. 

So they came up with the feudal system. 

Swear absolute loyalty to your lord and get land to govern. 

The vassal and rear vassals became the nobility. 

Changes after Charlemagne 

Charlemagne died in 814 

1. His empire got divided in three pieces 
2. The government became weak because of the feudal system. 
3. Attacks from the north by Vikings and from the east the Hungarians 

Which two things explain why the Frankish Empire became big and powerful under Clovis

1. Clovis being crowned emperor
2. The power of the Frankish army
3. The collaboration between the church and the king
4. Saving the pope

Write down four important changes
1. politico-administrative,
2. economic
3. cultural
4. social
in the Early Middle Ages

The feudal system had advantages and disadvantages.

Write down one advantage

The arrival of the Vikings showed how weak the government had become. Explain why.