Feudalism

Definition

Feudalism was a social, political, and economic system that dominated medieval Europe, characterized by the exchange of land for military service and loyalty. This hierarchical structure involved kings granting land to nobles, who in return provided protection and military aid, while peasants worked the land in exchange for security and sustenance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Feudalism emerged in Europe around the 9th century as a response to the need for protection during times of invasion and instability.
2. The feudal hierarchy was typically structured with the king at the top, followed by nobles (lords), knights (vassals), and peasants (serfs) at the bottom.
3. Lords granted fiefs (land) to vassals in exchange for military service, leading to a decentralized political system where local lords held significant power.
4. Peasants worked on the land owned by lords and were often bound to it as serfs, meaning they could not leave without permission.
5. Feudal relationships were based on mutual obligations; lords provided protection while vassals pledged loyalty and military support in return.

Review Questions

• How did feudalism shape the social structure of medieval Europe?
  • Feudalism created a distinct social hierarchy in medieval Europe, with kings at the top and peasants at the bottom. Lords granted land to vassals in exchange for military service, creating a network of obligations and loyalty. This system resulted in a society where land ownership dictated power and status, leading to a rigid class structure that influenced daily life and governance.
• Evaluate the impact of feudalism on the economy of medieval Europe, including its relationship with manorialism.
  • Feudalism significantly impacted the economy of medieval Europe through manorialism, which was centered around the lord's manor as an economic unit. The manorial system allowed lords to control agricultural production and labor through their serfs. This created a self-sufficient economy where local resources were utilized, but also limited trade and economic expansion due to the focus on local obligations rather than broader commerce.
• Assess how feudalism contributed to both stability and conflict during the medieval period and its eventual decline in favor of centralized monarchies.
  • Feudalism provided stability during times of chaos by establishing clear roles and responsibilities within society; however, it also led to conflicts over land and power among competing lords. The decentralized nature of feudalism often resulted in local wars and disputes. As monarchs began consolidating power in the late medieval period, this weakened feudal loyalties, paving the way for centralized states that diminished the influence of feudal relationships.

Related terms

Vassal: A vassal is a person who has entered into a mutual obligation to a lord or monarch in the feudal system, typically in exchange for land or protection.

Manorialism: Manorialism is the economic aspect of feudalism, focusing on the lord's manor as the basic unit of production and the relationship between lords and serfs.

Chivalry: Chivalry refers to the code of conduct associated with medieval knighthood that emphasized virtues such as bravery, honor, and respect for women.