How Social Class Changed During The Middle Ages
By: Reagan Slaughter
(Development of the Middle Class)
Classes are thought of as being part of a hiearchy and the middle class is thought of as being in the middle.It also was based on how wealthy one was.The richer one was meant they fit into the upper class.Therefore, socio-econonic terms meant the middle class was a group that fell between the working class and the upper class.This was solely based among the different cultures and the middle class was considered to be the highest class until maturing of the economy, and they were then thought of as the less rich, which left the upper class the richest in the 1800’s.Now back in the medieval society they thought differently.Being rich was recognized, but they thought on the idea that there was more than one ladder people could be part of. Among the different ladders or measures were the nobles, which you were thought to be born into or you were not. Clergy was another group, and you had to join this group. One could join early in age and be put out all at the same time you could be noble, as well as be in the clergy. As Americans, we look at society according to how much money we have .A lot of money means you’re in the upper class, and a little money means you’re in the lower class. Some think of themselves as middle class no matter how much money they have. Knowing your social status or where you stood out in the middle ages wan rare. They often used upper or lower.They were not clearly and technically understood, but were understood according to the distinctive nature that every person understood his or her place.The distinction of religions were the clearest. You had bishops and archbishops, the first being more powerful than the latter. Yet the noble's distinction was based solely on wealth. In conclusion, change came, and comes, over time. Documentation of the family was hard to document, but the demographic cries led to change in family size and family relationships. Corporations changed socially and economically in growth and politics.
By: Reagan Slaughter
(Development of the Middle Class)
Classes are thought of as being part of a hiearchy and the middle class is thought of as being in the middle.It also was based on how wealthy one was.The richer one was meant they fit into the upper class.Therefore, socio-econonic terms meant the middle class was a group that fell between the working class and the upper class.This was solely based among the different cultures and the middle class was considered to be the highest class until maturing of the economy, and they were then thought of as the less rich, which left the upper class the richest in the 1800’s.Now back in the medieval society they thought differently.Being rich was recognized, but they thought on the idea that there was more than one ladder people could be part of. Among the different ladders or measures were the nobles, which you were thought to be born into or you were not. Clergy was another group, and you had to join this group. One could join early in age and be put out all at the same time you could be noble, as well as be in the clergy. As Americans, we look at society according to how much money we have .A lot of money means you’re in the upper class, and a little money means you’re in the lower class. Some think of themselves as middle class no matter how much money they have. Knowing your social status or where you stood out in the middle ages wan rare. They often used upper or lower.They were not clearly and technically understood, but were understood according to the distinctive nature that every person understood his or her place.The distinction of religions were the clearest. You had bishops and archbishops, the first being more powerful than the latter. Yet the noble's distinction was based solely on wealth. In conclusion, change came, and comes, over time. Documentation of the family was hard to document, but the demographic cries led to change in family size and family relationships. Corporations changed socially and economically in growth and politics.
How Did Cities Develop From Trade? What Was Life Like In A City?
by Layla D.
Cities developed in many different ways in the Medieval Ages. One way is through feudalism. Feudalism made new technology that enabled people to produce not less, but more food and goods. Once trade increased, the cities grew larger and became wealthier. The nobles also played a part in trade. They restored roads and bridges, arrested criminals, and also enforced the law. Venice, Italy plays a huge role in trade in the Middle Ages. Venice carried quick trading ships. Also, in other Italian cities, there was trading within the Byzantine Empire. The people of the Middle Ages traded many things like spices, Egyptian paper, perfume, groceries, and more. Through this, there became guilds. Guilds represent a common thing in the city for the Middle Ages. Although the cities were very unsanitary, there was a good bit of freedom within the city walls. The cities were quite small- mud was very common for the roads. The people who lived in the city and were used to it often helped the rural people who needed to get to the market. Space was very scarce in this time period. The only largest buildings were often churches, especially in the cathedral cities. the homes in the cities were clustered together and were made of wood. This caused a huge fire hazard and fire was a big concern within the walls. Sanitation presented a big issue in the Middle Ages. With the streets being mud, emptying chamber pots made it even worse. Many would hope that with the rain it would wash away, but it only added to the problem. Consuming certain things rather than water, like beer and wine, contributed to a bigger problem: the consumer’s health. Many thought that disease was a punishment for what they’ve done. Even young boys were given alcohol and expected to know how to not get drunk easily.
by Layla D.
Cities developed in many different ways in the Medieval Ages. One way is through feudalism. Feudalism made new technology that enabled people to produce not less, but more food and goods. Once trade increased, the cities grew larger and became wealthier. The nobles also played a part in trade. They restored roads and bridges, arrested criminals, and also enforced the law. Venice, Italy plays a huge role in trade in the Middle Ages. Venice carried quick trading ships. Also, in other Italian cities, there was trading within the Byzantine Empire. The people of the Middle Ages traded many things like spices, Egyptian paper, perfume, groceries, and more. Through this, there became guilds. Guilds represent a common thing in the city for the Middle Ages. Although the cities were very unsanitary, there was a good bit of freedom within the city walls. The cities were quite small- mud was very common for the roads. The people who lived in the city and were used to it often helped the rural people who needed to get to the market. Space was very scarce in this time period. The only largest buildings were often churches, especially in the cathedral cities. the homes in the cities were clustered together and were made of wood. This caused a huge fire hazard and fire was a big concern within the walls. Sanitation presented a big issue in the Middle Ages. With the streets being mud, emptying chamber pots made it even worse. Many would hope that with the rain it would wash away, but it only added to the problem. Consuming certain things rather than water, like beer and wine, contributed to a bigger problem: the consumer’s health. Many thought that disease was a punishment for what they’ve done. Even young boys were given alcohol and expected to know how to not get drunk easily.
LEISURE TIME by Emmy Boyd
In the medieval times, peasants and nobles were allowed to have leisure time. The entertainment differed depending on what social class you are in. Most people listened to live music and enjoyed art. They were a very cultural society. Drama was also respected and beloved by members of every social class. During the holidays festivals were held in celebrations. These were commonly practiced and respected traditions in the middle ages. Wealthy people would host feasts and enjoy celebrations. They played games such as dice, checkers, and backgammon. Chess was really popular for upperclassmen. Lowerclassmen did not usually play the same games as wealthy people. They played outdoor games, like horseshoes, archery, and wrestling. Knights would joust in their spare time. Jousting was a test of bravery and skill in which knights would mount horses and run at each other with large poles. Peasants would attend these events to watch. Kids would often be treated like there parents or miniature adults. Medieval boys and girls were considered adults around age 12. Sometimes the children would play with toys. These toys were typically handmade. For Example, a girl might have dressed up her dolls as a courtly lady. A boy might have made a castle out of some blocks. There were many feasts and festivities. Music was an important element in medieval life. Instruments included violins, drums, harps, lutes, organs, citoles, psalteries, flutes and horns. Minstrels and jugglers were often found in bands of travelling players. These events were attended by everyone in the community. Everyone in society would enjoy and play board games. Such as Chess, tables, Nine Mens Morris, Alquiros, which was a classic period strategy game, an ancestor of checkers, Fox and Geese, this was a game of strategy, The Philosopher game, which was a game of strategy and numbers, Shovelboard, Knucklebones, which is game of dice, and Hazard. These games were played throughout the middle ages. So far this might not seem not but leisure was a rarity for peasants and serfs. Work was the number one thing.
In the medieval times, peasants and nobles were allowed to have leisure time. The entertainment differed depending on what social class you are in. Most people listened to live music and enjoyed art. They were a very cultural society. Drama was also respected and beloved by members of every social class. During the holidays festivals were held in celebrations. These were commonly practiced and respected traditions in the middle ages. Wealthy people would host feasts and enjoy celebrations. They played games such as dice, checkers, and backgammon. Chess was really popular for upperclassmen. Lowerclassmen did not usually play the same games as wealthy people. They played outdoor games, like horseshoes, archery, and wrestling. Knights would joust in their spare time. Jousting was a test of bravery and skill in which knights would mount horses and run at each other with large poles. Peasants would attend these events to watch. Kids would often be treated like there parents or miniature adults. Medieval boys and girls were considered adults around age 12. Sometimes the children would play with toys. These toys were typically handmade. For Example, a girl might have dressed up her dolls as a courtly lady. A boy might have made a castle out of some blocks. There were many feasts and festivities. Music was an important element in medieval life. Instruments included violins, drums, harps, lutes, organs, citoles, psalteries, flutes and horns. Minstrels and jugglers were often found in bands of travelling players. These events were attended by everyone in the community. Everyone in society would enjoy and play board games. Such as Chess, tables, Nine Mens Morris, Alquiros, which was a classic period strategy game, an ancestor of checkers, Fox and Geese, this was a game of strategy, The Philosopher game, which was a game of strategy and numbers, Shovelboard, Knucklebones, which is game of dice, and Hazard. These games were played throughout the middle ages. So far this might not seem not but leisure was a rarity for peasants and serfs. Work was the number one thing.
ROLE OF WOMEN Gracie Knowles
Women in medieval times were not considered equal with men. This is to be expected, though, as it has always been this way in societies throughout history. Even today, women make $0.77 cents for every $1.00 men make. Women mostly took care of household chores, along with helping out with some of the chores out in the fields. Women did not, however, receive recognition for this work. There were not laws allowing women to chose when to get married or when to have kids. Women also could not hold positions in political office. From a blatant and harsh perspective, the prime role of women in the middle ages was simply to have a male heir so that she could inherit land. Women were almost totally under the control of men, even though many historians would say that behind every successful medieval man was a woman. Approximately 20% of women died in labour in the Middle Ages. According to "Women During the Middle Ages.”, “Any man in the family could order a woman to do as he wished. If a woman refused, she was beat into submission, as disobedience was considered a crime against God.” This may all seem dark and unfortunate, but, on a day-to-day basis, they basically did all that the men did. Peasants would do basically any job that a man didn’t have time for. Aristocratic women, however, would not do hardly any manual labour at all. Many midwives had a fair amount of knowledge of medicines and remedies. Midwives were, however were looked at as witchcraft-practitioners and were persecuted for their beliefs. A secondary source including a primary source from the great scholar Thomas Aquinas said, ‘"The woman is subject to man on account of the weakness of her nature . . . Man is the beginning of woman and her end, just as God is the beginning and end of every creature. Children ought to love their Father more than they love their mother."
Women in medieval times were not considered equal with men. This is to be expected, though, as it has always been this way in societies throughout history. Even today, women make $0.77 cents for every $1.00 men make. Women mostly took care of household chores, along with helping out with some of the chores out in the fields. Women did not, however, receive recognition for this work. There were not laws allowing women to chose when to get married or when to have kids. Women also could not hold positions in political office. From a blatant and harsh perspective, the prime role of women in the middle ages was simply to have a male heir so that she could inherit land. Women were almost totally under the control of men, even though many historians would say that behind every successful medieval man was a woman. Approximately 20% of women died in labour in the Middle Ages. According to "Women During the Middle Ages.”, “Any man in the family could order a woman to do as he wished. If a woman refused, she was beat into submission, as disobedience was considered a crime against God.” This may all seem dark and unfortunate, but, on a day-to-day basis, they basically did all that the men did. Peasants would do basically any job that a man didn’t have time for. Aristocratic women, however, would not do hardly any manual labour at all. Many midwives had a fair amount of knowledge of medicines and remedies. Midwives were, however were looked at as witchcraft-practitioners and were persecuted for their beliefs. A secondary source including a primary source from the great scholar Thomas Aquinas said, ‘"The woman is subject to man on account of the weakness of her nature . . . Man is the beginning of woman and her end, just as God is the beginning and end of every creature. Children ought to love their Father more than they love their mother."
Serf Life by Henryashia Moore
Life for a serf was dark and dreary. Serfs were peasants that worked the lord’s land. You were usually born into this social class and the only way to be of a higher social class was to marry someone of a higher social class. This was highly unlikely, there nobles and members of the church usually decided who they married. They worked approximately 3 days a week on the lords land. The daily life of a serf was hard. They had to do tasks such as harvesting and ploughing. A serf’s life was dictated by their lord. They also had to make payments in either money or (more often) in grain, honey, eggs, or other produce. In return the noble would offer the peasant/ serf protection from warfare and such. The lord could tax his serfs as heavily as he wanted and make them work as hard as he pleased. They could not even leave there land unless they were gave permission.. They didn’t hold high places in society, nor were they respected in the community, even though they made up a majority of the population.There clothing was basic, simple, and inexpensive. Everything a serf owned was like this, practical, simple, and convenient. .Women would often wear a blouse of cloth or skin fastened by a leather belt around the waist. Men would wear an overcoat, or mantle of thick woolen material, which fell from his shoulders to half way down his legs. Serfs were allowed to go to festivals, which was the only time they could relax. Life as a serf was difficult and the life expectancy was short. In conclusion, the life of a serf was not an ideal lifestyle. Considering the fact that serfs and peasants made up the majority of the population, and were responsible for most of the crops and agricultural income of societies.
Life for a serf was dark and dreary. Serfs were peasants that worked the lord’s land. You were usually born into this social class and the only way to be of a higher social class was to marry someone of a higher social class. This was highly unlikely, there nobles and members of the church usually decided who they married. They worked approximately 3 days a week on the lords land. The daily life of a serf was hard. They had to do tasks such as harvesting and ploughing. A serf’s life was dictated by their lord. They also had to make payments in either money or (more often) in grain, honey, eggs, or other produce. In return the noble would offer the peasant/ serf protection from warfare and such. The lord could tax his serfs as heavily as he wanted and make them work as hard as he pleased. They could not even leave there land unless they were gave permission.. They didn’t hold high places in society, nor were they respected in the community, even though they made up a majority of the population.There clothing was basic, simple, and inexpensive. Everything a serf owned was like this, practical, simple, and convenient. .Women would often wear a blouse of cloth or skin fastened by a leather belt around the waist. Men would wear an overcoat, or mantle of thick woolen material, which fell from his shoulders to half way down his legs. Serfs were allowed to go to festivals, which was the only time they could relax. Life as a serf was difficult and the life expectancy was short. In conclusion, the life of a serf was not an ideal lifestyle. Considering the fact that serfs and peasants made up the majority of the population, and were responsible for most of the crops and agricultural income of societies.
Even though it’s a fairly common belief that the Dark Ages were...well, dark, they were actually quite progressive in some areas. Their treatment of women was actually an improvement in some ways from the previous decades. Agriculture techniques also improved. It was, however, leaning more towards dark in the treatment of people. The Inquisition and feudalism left a majority of people in suppression. In my group’s opinion, the moral treatment and rights of people is more important than politics and socio-economics. For this reason, the Dark Ages were dark. They aren’t called the Dark Ages for nothing! Historians will never agree because it was both good and bad. Positive and negative aspects to both sides leave a constant battle between opinions. Opinions can’t be proven, but our opinion is that the Middle Ages were fairly regressive. If you take into account how much advancement other time periods had, the Middle Ages don’t develop as fast as other time periods.