Feudalism in medieval Europe was a hierarchical system with lords, vassals, and serfs, characterized by land-for-service exchanges. It emerged due to political fragmentation and invasions, with the Church and towns playing unique roles. Factors like the Black Death, military changes, and economic shifts led to its decline, paving the way for stronger monarchies and new political systems.
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Feudalism was defined by the interlocking relationships of loyalty and service among the aristocracy
Monarch as the apex
The monarch was at the apex of the feudal system, granting lands to his principal nobles in return for military support and allegiance
Overlords and their obligations
Overlords were responsible for granting lands to lesser nobles or knights and receiving military service and loyalty in return
Serfs and their role
Serfs were the lowest tier of feudal society, tied to the land and obligated to work it in exchange for protection and means to live
Feudal society was sustained by a network of mutual obligations, with lords providing fiefs to vassals in exchange for military service and loyalty
The fragmentation of the Carolingian Empire led to political disarray and susceptibility to invasions, resulting in the development of feudal relationships
Church as a feudal lord
The Church, controlling extensive lands, was a major feudal lord but owed its primary allegiance to the Pope rather than secular kings
Influence of the Church
The Church wielded significant influence through its ability to levy tithes and exercise spiritual jurisdiction
Development of towns and the middle class
Towns were often granted charters that allowed for self-governance, fostering the development of commerce and a burgeoning middle class within the feudal system
The loss of papal authority, demographic catastrophe of the Black Death, and military innovations of the Hundred Years' War weakened traditional feudal bonds and led to the decline of feudalism
The economic rise of towns and the merchant class shifted power away from the landed nobility, facilitating the centralization of state power and the rise of stronger monarchies
The decline of feudalism led to the formation of more cohesive and potent nation-states, heralding the advent of new political systems such as absolute monarchies and early forms of constitutional governance
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Feudalism time period
9th to 15th century in medieval Europe
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Feudal system hierarchy
Monarch, overlords, vassals, knights, serfs
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Serfs' role and obligations
Tied to land, worked it, received protection and sustenance
