Why did feudalism develop in Medieval Europe?

Question

I only find short answers in Google, like the fall of Roman Empire or the difficulty for kings to control their kingdoms. Can someone please explain it in a story-way?

PS: This is not a homework question that I will just copy and paste. I want to know so I can understand my chapter on Medieval Times

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi Lily,

Why did it happen?

Beginning in the late 700s C.E., large numbers of invaders raided villages throughout Europe. This resulted in a collapse of law and order, a decline in trade, and collapse of local economies. To counter these threats, Frankish kings needed warriors. They created a system of military and political relationships called feudalism.

What was the purpose?

People of Western Europe needed protection from invading threats with control. Therefore kings thought that if they invent a system that allows their citizens to have what they want with a substantial servitude to whoever grants them with their possessions, then they would be protected. This allowed cooperation and security from lower classes in order to defend the upper class territory and maintain the work needed for national affairs.

What did it look like?

Feudalism was the medieval model of government. Paying for troops was impossible because society at this time lacked a money system. Without a money system, collecting taxes was also tough. The kings offered land or estates, to warriors (also called knights or lords) in exchange for military service. They agreed to 40 days of service each year in times of peace and more days in times of war. The land given to knights or lords came with peasant farmers, known as serfs. The serfs provided the lords or knights with labor to produce food and other goods they needed to maintain their lifestyles. The knights and lords were in charge of maintaining order, protection, and enforcing rules and laws on their estates or manors. In exchange, serfs were given protected land to grow crops to support their families. This economic arrangement was known as the manorial system.

Hope this helps!

Adriana

Answer 2

Hi Lily,

Have you tried Google Scholar? You can find better information there. I found a book for you that may help. It is free on Google Books. It is called Passages from Antiquity to Feudalism, by Perry Anderson. I would share the link, but Wyzant delays responses for review if a URL is present.

I hope my suggestions help out!

Thanks for using Wyzant,

Troy Palmer