Final answer:
Before the bubonic plague, feudalism provided stability and defense, while after the plague, it faced significant changes and eventually declined.
Step-by-step explanation:
Feudalism, a political and social system prevalent in Medieval Europe, played various roles before and after the bubonic plague.
Before the plague, feudalism provided a hierarchical structure where kings granted land to lords in exchange for military service and peasants worked the land for protection. The system ensured stability and defense against external threats.
After the plague, feudalism faced significant changes. The massive loss of life resulted in labor shortages, allowing peasants to demand better conditions and wages. This led to a decline in feudal obligations and the eventual breakdown of the feudal system.
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