No royal laws from Louis the Pious until 1180s. Five big duchies - then from 919 the Saxon Royal House takes over. Installed as Public officials Already had private lands. Now granted crown lands and offices. Historians' disputes The great variety of forms and terms.
Agriculture Remains basic form of life for most.
But growth of towns and commercial life changes agrarian life as well. Specialization of production. Money economy effect land values, and social relations. Aristocracy and King Aristocracy and town dwellers Peasants and lords A. Life for the Majority - Life on the Land Lack of commerce in West. But totally changed way Europeans lived Importance of economic approach to history B. Time Frame 11th, 12th and 13th centuries - periods of accelerating economic activity Period of depression after 1300.