Kansas

Feudalism: a political, military and economic system based on land-holding and protective alliances
In other words: the system is based on personal loyalty to people who can help you.
Rich Dude(Lord): "I own land; I need people to help me work it and defend it"
Tough Dudes(Vassals): "There are a lot of us, we can help the rich dudes hold on to their land"
By protecting or getting anything they need
King
The most powerful Vassals(Nobles and Bishops)
Knights- mounted warriors who recieved Fiefs for defending the lord's land
Peasants(Mostly Serfs): Landless, powerless, money-less, rights-less. Just working the land for the man (their lord)

Manor: the lord's estate

• the lord's manor house
• a church 
• some workshops
• 15-30 families
• all on a few square miles

Good News: It's a self-sufficient community 
Bad News: It's harsh if you're a peasant
Not educated and never go very far from where they grow up.
A stand still: THE DARK AGES 

Peasants are poor AND pay high taxes 

• Tax on grain
• Tax on marriage
• Church tax (tithe= 10% of their income)