The rise of manorialism and feudalism in Europe began in the early Middle Ages. There were peasants and knights. However, these knights were different from the loyal, honorable and selfless knights that one might usually portray. These knights were corrupt, abusive, self-centered individuals with no morals. Ideally, they were supposed to help and protect the peasants. Instead, the peasants were mistreated by their own protectors. The feudal system was developed to allow people to exchange services for the benefit of both parties. However, the feudal relationship between knight and peasant failed because early medieval knights did not fulfill their duty to protect their peasants. In an ideal feudal system, the feudal relationship between knight and serf would allow both parties to prosper. Ideally, the knight would protect his serfs against threats. “And when the weak…the established protectors…deter…scandalous behavior.” » (Document 5). In exchange, the serf worked the land and provided the knight with food. "'I'm going to sweat and work hard to ...