Final answer:
Feudalism in medieval Europe was not particularly effective in dealing with outside threats. Option 2.
Step-by-step explanation:
Feudalism in medieval Europe was characterized by a system of relationships and obligations between lords, vassals, knights, and serfs. While feudalism provided some level of protection and organization within local communities, it was not particularly effective in dealing with outside threats.
The feudal system primarily focused on maintaining control over local territories and did not have the central authority or coordination needed to effectively respond to large-scale external threats.
For example, during the Viking invasions in the ninth and tenth centuries, European societies struggled to mount coordinated defenses. The feudal system relied heavily on individual lords and their personal armies, making it difficult to form a united front against external invaders.
Additionally, the feudal system often led to internal conflicts and rivalries between lords, further dividing European powers and weakening their ability to defend against outside threats.
In contrast, centralized states like the Byzantine Empire and the Islamic kingdoms were often better able to deal with outside threats due to their stronger central authority and more organized military structures. These centralized states could mobilize larger armies and coordinate their defenses, making them more effective against external enemies.
So option 2 is correct answer.