Feudalism refers to the spread of political influence between noble figures. This political system reached the height of its power during Europe’s middle Ages. Europe’s feudal society incorporated the king, lords, and vassals as the predominate figure heads. By exploring concepts of feudalism throughout Europe one can gain a better understanding of political systems during the middle Ages.
The Rise of Feudalism
At the onset of the middle Ages, Europe was facing severe economic and population depletion. This was largely due to the threat of invasion and war with other world populations. In order to resolve this need for protection, Europe implemented a feudal system to ensure that areas could receive proper protection, support, and supervision. The job was simply to over whelming for a single king to maintain these vast areas of land alone.
The land was known as the “fief” (“feudalism”). Each fief was overseen by a lord who owned that land and a vassal that was granted access to that land. The vassal was expected to provide military protection for that area of land in return for its use. Peasants typically work for the vassal and provide labor and military forces under the command of the vassal.
Characteristics of Feudalism in Europe
Feudalism in Europe has a few key characteristics. The first is that the economy is primarily supported by agricultural endeavors (“feudalism”). Usually there is not much in the way of actual money, instead relying on agricultural trade. Most land areas are self-sustaining. The second characteristic is the use of the Church to assist in societal and military structure. The Church is in turn entitled to a part of the land and a share in any economic profits.
Decline of feudalism
As available land began to diminish, so did feudalism. The cost of providing land to vassals and the lack of available property meant that lords were eventually unable to keep up with demands. A new money based economy was also beginning to slowly creep into Europe’s consciousness. Instead of relying solely on agricultural trade, the value of currency was beginning to be recognized. The circulation of currency made feudalism less important to society. This also allowed people to become independent of lords and vassals by earning their own place amongst society.
The Black Death in Europe also contributed to the end of feudalism. Great masses were essential wiped out by disease leading to a labor shortage (“feudalism”). Those who were fortunate to survive the Black Death moved to towns to fill these positions. Peasants no longer wished to work under their superiors when new opportunities were presented to them.
In conclusion, feudalism began in Europe to ensure protection against other populations and create a self-sustaining agricultural economy. The system allowed land, called fief, to be controlled by lords and vassals. In return they provided protection for the area. The lords, vassals, and the Church all held political influence in the area. Feudalism eventually died out as the result of the new currency system and lack of land availability. The Black Death provided survivors the opportunity to break out the role of peasants and create a new system of government.
Works Cited:
"European Feudalism." Middle Ages. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Dec. 2012.
"European Feudalism." For Students. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Dec. 2012.
