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Dec 6, 2023
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Feudalism in Medieval Europe
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Feudalism in Medieval Europe
Feudalism was a social, political, and economic system that dominated medieval Europe,
particularly from the 5th to the 12th centuries (Brown, 2023). The society under this system was
structured so that the ruling elite could hold land in exchange for service or labor. Feudal society
developed in the wake of the collapse of the Roman Empire. Local rulers and warlords began to
assume power without a strong central authority. The disintegration of central power threatened
invasion from various groups who would attack the Empire. This led to the establishment a
system where land ownership became the basis for authority and protection. The feudal states
owned land, water, and other irrigation facilities within medieval Europe (Chitadze, n.d.). The
local lord would offer protection to peasants, who would, in turn, cultivate the land and provide
military service when needed. The lord also swore allegiance to more powerful lords and
monarchs, creating a hierarchical base for power in land tenure.
A rigid class structure characterized the feudal society. At the top was the monarch, who
granted land to the nobles in return for military service. This system discouraged a unified form
of government, insisting that each lord divide their lands into smaller sections. Below the nobles
were knights. At the pyramid's base were the peasants who labored on the farms. This
hierarchical system was supported by responsibilities allocated to each level. The peasants owed
labor and a portion of their agricultural produce to their lord, while the lord owed protection and
justice to their peasants (Brown, 2023).
Feudalism was well developed in France and spread to England, central Europe, and
Italy. The system flourished in France due to the largely fragmented political structure of the
post-Carolingian Empire. A hierarchy of reciprocal obligations characterized this system in
France. This structure influenced the political structure of France for decades.
In conclusion, feudalism was a complex system of administration based on land tenure
and obligation. It significantly shaped medieval Europe's social, political, and economic
landscape. Feudal structures and relationships were more established and systematized in
countries like France and England.
References
Brown, E. A. R. (2023, October 19). Feudalism.
Britannica
.
https://www.britannica.com/money/topic/feudalism
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Chitadze, N. World Geography.
https://digitallibrary.tsu.ge/book/2021/june/books/chitadze-
World-Geography.pdf
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