Final answer:
The medieval period in Europe primarily relied on agricultural practices and the feudal system. Innovations in agriculture enabled the growth of population and trade, while societal structures were based on feudalism and manorialism. Technological advancements also occurred, setting the stage for future developments. The option (A) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medieval period greatly relied on agricultural practices and the feudal system. Innovations in agriculture during the High Middle Ages allowed for increased crop yields and flourishing trade. The social organization of this time was deeply intertwined with the feudal and manorial systems. Feudalism involved lower-status nobles and knights providing military service in exchange for the right to rent land, while manorialism compelled peasants to offer labor and rent to their noble landlords.
Following the Black Death, the decline of feudalism accelerated as many peasants left rural areas seeking employment in expanding towns and cities. This shift, coupled with environmental challenges, drove significant changes in the social hierarchy of medieval Europe. Despite the misconception of the 'dark ages,' the period also saw the development of key engineering techniques and concepts that laid the foundation for future technological progress. Therefore, option (A) is correct.