What is the difference between Serfs/Peasants and the Bourgois/Middle Class?

You must make a chart showing the differences between the Serfs and

the Bourgois. Here is an example:

Ownership• Serfs could not own

their own land. They worked for a Lord and were not allowed to leave. They had to give a portion of their money/products to the Lord. • The Bourgeois were

able to buy their freedom and could work wherever they liked. They could keep what they made for themselves.

Protection

• Serfs had the protection of their Lord during times of war.

• Bourgeois had no protection. They had to fight to protect themselves.

Movement• Serfs had to stay on

their Lord’s land and could not move to towns. They were very isolated and dependent on the Lords.

• Bourgeois moved to towns where they could trade and sell their goods. They were less dependent on Lords.

Taxes

• Serfs had to pay very high taxes to the Lord.

• The Bourgeois paid lower taxes when they lived in towns.

Business• Serfs were never

allowed to make their own buisness.

• Bourgeois were allowed to establish their own buisness, or shop.

Rights• Serfs had no rights

and had to follow the rules of the Lord.

• The Bourgeois had guilds. Guilds were created to protect workers and their shops. They told who could build a new shop, they covered any damage to the shop, and controlled the prices, wage, and quality of the products.

Army

• The Bourgeois could choose to work in the army.

• Serfs were not allowed to work in the army.

Trade• Serfs could not

participate in trade. They had to stay on the land of the Lord.

• Bourgeois could trade with other merchants. They participated in town fairs.

Class

• During the time of the Bourgeois, another class was created: The Middle Class.

• During the time of the Serfs, only three classes existed: Clergy, Nobility, and Peasants.