An Introduction to Feudalism
![]() Researched by Ryan Nicholls
Feudalism was the system of government in place during the medieval period before modern nation-states were created. Feudalism designated the social, economic, and political conditions in Western Europe during the early Middle Ages. It usually emerged as a result of the decentralization of an empire especially in European empires which lacked bureaucratic infrastructure. Feudalism really discouraged the idea of one unified system of government (Human Rights). The whole system was based off of loyalty due to it being comprised of agreements made between individuals and not nation-states and individuals. Feudalism also strongly discouraged economic growth and trade. Most of the farmers or peasants in the kingdom worked as serfs. As serfs they were bound to their plot of land and were not allowed to change location or occupation without permission from their lord (Human Rights). The lord would take up to one half of taxes on the serfs income from the product sold on their plot of land. How Did Feudalism Work? Researched by Nico Ament Feudalism consisted of a social system that developed in the Middle Ages of Europe. The basic idea behind Feudalism was exchanging services for food, land, or security. Weakened because of governing such a large area, kings decided to create feudalism to form a sense of security by dividing plots of land between those in their kingdom (Feudalism). A king would grant a fief (plot of land) to noblemen in return for loyalty, protection, and service. In some cases the king would grant fiefs to knights. These knights were professional warriors who would service in the king's army. The lord would provide housing, food, weapons, and money in return for the services (Feudalism). Lastly, the knights could turn around and give a portion of their land to serfs (peasants). These serfs would be considered the lowest of the social system who farmed and cultivated the crops for the society. The serfs were bounded to these lands and would give the knight who bestowed the land on him with his crops. Works Cited Title Image: John Skylitzes. Synopsis of Histories. Banquet with the Emperor Basil I the Macedonian and his court. . Photo. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 26 Jan 2015. http://quest.eb.com/#/search/300_172823/1/300_172823/cite Feudalism 1: Peasant and Knight, Colourised Woodcut. Photo. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 27 Jan 2015. http://quest.eb.com/#/search/109_236171/1/109_236171/cite Feudalism 2: "Feudalism in Medieval Europe- Simple Explanation." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 28 Jan. 2015. Ryan's Portion: "Human rights." Britannica School. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2015. Web. 28 Jan. 2015. <http://school.eb.com/levels/high/article/106289#10502.toc>. Nico's Portion: "Feudalism." Britannica School. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2015. Web. 28 Jan. 2015. <http://school.eb.com/levels/high/article/34150>. Youtube Video: "Feudalism in Medieval Europe- Simple Explanation." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 28 Jan. 2015. Feudalism 3: "Feudalism and Manor Life." Middle Ages. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Jan. 2015. |
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