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The fall of Romein 476 A.D. alteredthe map of Europe.

The once greatRoman Empire was

replaced by hundreds of little

kingdoms.

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It is important to remember thatthe central government collapsed when

Rome fell.

E. NappWithout a central

government, hundreds of kingdoms emerged.

These kingdoms

frequently went to war with one

another.

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Without a central government to collect taxes and maintain an

imperial army, life became uncertain.

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Indeedthe

EarlyMiddleAgeswas a

dangeroustime.

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Warfare increased. Education decreased. Danger was

everywhere.

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It was a dangeroustime to be a

peasant. Poorpeople turned

to rich landownersand their armies for

protection.

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Many peasants became serfs. They worked for lords in exchangefor protection and could not leavetheir lord’s land.

E. NappAnd a new political and

militarysystem

developed. It was known

as feudalism and it involved the

exchange of land for military

service.

E. NappLords owned land.They gave land to

their vassals.Vassals had to obey

lords and provide military service and

loyalty to lords.

E. NappA fief was all of theLord’s land. Themanor was partof the fief. The

manor was the partof the fief where

the peasants farmedand the people lived.

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A new economic system developedknown as manorialism. Since peoplelived on the lord’s manor and the manor was self-sufficient, the manorproduced all that people needed.

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In dangerous times, it was safest to stay close to home.