Day 27: Handouts, classwork, and homework

*Note (1): Underlined words are links to downloadable pages.
*Note (2): Please be prepared for a possible pop quiz at the beginning of each class. It will be based on material presented in the previous class.
*Note (3): Blog details are subject to change.

Social Studies 8

Feudalism - concept:

Feudalism is a system in which ties of loyalty among a smaller group of people
living in a smaller area enabled them to survive in a hostile environment of constant warfare among warring kingdoms. Feudalism began around 700 AD, and was more well
developed in some areas of western Europe than others e.g. France had a well-developed Feudal society, Britain not as much.

• Became necessary due to the fragmentation of western Europe (attacks by many different tribes, all looking for land and loot)
• Based on smaller local areas, called fiefs
• Each area was ruled by a lord
• There were kings who were recognized by the lords, but most often far-off kings had very limited power, the lords actually held more real power in their hands
• Feudalism was based on loyalties within the local area. Lords subdivided theirholdings to vassals, vassals commanded the loyalty of lesser lords; peasants and townspeople gave loyalty to them. Knights were trained on the fiefs, and provided protection for the fief.The manor system enabled local areas to be self-sufficient (dependent on farming and local craftsmen)
• Peasants gave up their land-holding rights in return for protection and the availability of a local grain mill, church, craftsmen, and other necessary services; this enabled them to stay in their area and have their basic needs met.

The feudal organization became more complex with time.

With time local trading centres grew into towns, then cities.

Correct yesterday's homework

Focus on feudalism

Watch the Medieval Knights video

Homework: Text questions p. 48:1 - 6, due March 12

Social Studies 11

What did War Look Like?

The nature of technology and trench warfare in World War I

Watch a clip from "Legends of the Fall"

Homework #1: WWI package, complete questions on page 2, due March 12
Homework #2: Hand out WWI History Fair unit project