The castle Château de Chaumont in France

After the fall of the Roman Empire in Western Europe, invasions by migratory groups impacted the people of Europe. Fearing for their safety, the people in the Middle Ages established relationships of mutual obligations. While some people in society provided protection in exchange for land, others provided protection in exchange for labor. What was common in medieval society was the need for protection. In this topic, you will explore the impact that the second wave of barbarians had on the political and economic systems in Western Europe.

Essential Questions

• Who were the second wave of barbarian invaders and where did they settle?
• What is the feudal system and how did it develop in the Middle Ages?

 

Warm-Up

Take a moment to think about something a friend or sibling has that you want. What do you think you could trade him or her in order to get that item? Now give the trade a try.

Once you have tried to make the trade with your friend or sibling, think about the following questions: What did you give up, and what did you receive? What did you do to ensure that the trade was fair?

In this topic, you will explore how and why people entered into agreements with one another during the Early Middle Ages. They traded military service or farming duties for protection from invaders and basic needs.