Feudal System

Definition

The feudal system was a social, economic, and political structure that dominated medieval Europe from the 9th to the 15th century. It was characterized by a hierarchy of lords and vassals, where land ownership and protection were exchanged for service and loyalty. This system influenced various aspects of life during the medieval period, including governance, social status, and the economy, creating a rigid class structure that is often reflected in literary works from the era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The feudal system structured society into distinct classes, with kings at the top, followed by lords, knights, and peasants or serfs at the bottom.
2. Land was the primary currency in the feudal system, with lords granting portions of their land (fiefs) to vassals in exchange for military service.
3. Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales' reflects the social hierarchy of the feudal system through its diverse characters representing different classes, from knights to commoners.
4. The bond between lord and vassal was formalized through a ceremony called 'homage,' highlighting loyalty as a core component of the feudal structure.
5. The decline of the feudal system began in the late medieval period due to factors like urbanization, the rise of trade, and changes in military technology.

Review Questions

• How did the feudal system shape the relationships between different social classes in medieval society?
  • The feudal system established clear relationships between social classes by creating a hierarchy where each class had specific roles and responsibilities. Lords provided land and protection to vassals, who in turn offered military service and loyalty. This relationship created a web of dependencies that defined social interactions, with serfs working the land for lords while being subject to their authority. The resulting social structure influenced not only governance but also everyday life and cultural expressions during this period.
• Discuss how Chaucer’s portrayal of characters in 'The Canterbury Tales' reflects the values and dynamics of the feudal system.
  • Chaucer's characters in 'The Canterbury Tales' embody various roles within the feudal system, showcasing its complexity and diversity. From the noble Knight who exemplifies chivalric values to the lower-class Wife of Bath who challenges societal norms, these characters illustrate how individuals navigated their positions within this hierarchical structure. Their interactions often reveal tensions between classes, highlighting themes of loyalty, service, and social mobility that were prevalent in medieval society influenced by feudalism.
• Evaluate how the decline of the feudal system influenced social change during the late medieval period and beyond.
  • The decline of the feudal system significantly transformed medieval society by paving the way for emerging social structures based on commerce and individual rights. As urban centers grew and trade expanded, traditional loyalties to lords weakened, allowing for greater social mobility and the rise of a merchant class. This shift not only altered economic relations but also influenced cultural developments, leading to movements such as the Renaissance that emphasized humanism and individualism. Consequently, this transition set the stage for modern societal structures that prioritize individual rights over rigid class hierarchies.

Related terms

Lord: A noble who held land granted by the king in exchange for military service and loyalty.

Vassal: A person who received land from a lord in exchange for service and loyalty, often a knight or lesser noble.

Serf: A peasant who was bound to the land and under the authority of a lord, typically working the land in exchange for protection.