Feudalism

Question 1

What is feudalism?

Answer 1

socio-economic system
in Medieval Europe - middle ages
hierarchical structure
contractual relationship between a lord and vassals
Lord granted fief to vassals in exchange of loyalty or service
Lack of social mobility
Manorial System= economic unit

Question 2

Why did feudalism emerge?

Answer 2

Response to need for social order and protection (instability due to the fall of the Roman Empire)
Power vacuum due to disintegration of central authority(Roman Empire)
Influenced by tradition of Germanic Tribes
Agricultural Economy was prevalent
Provided social cohesion
Decline of cities
Church - approved it

Question 3

Why did feudalism decline?

Answer 3

Economic
- growth of trade and commerce challenged feudal lords
- technical advancement reduced dependency on feudal lords
- money-based economy
Social
- rise of nation-states
emergence of new social classes
- enlightenment ideas
Conflict and Revolts
- French revolution
- Peasant uprisings
Changes in Military and Warfare
- new weapons - no need for knights of feudal system
- professionalisation of armies