Final answer:
The decline of feudalism was catalyzed by events including the Black Death, the Hundred Years' War, the rise of central governments, and economic changes, with the Black Death being particularly significant due to its effects on labor and economic structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The decline of feudalism was a gradual process influenced by several key events, such as the Black Death, the Hundred Years' War, the rise of strong central governments, and the shift from land-based economies to those driven by commerce and trade. One of the most impactful events, in my opinion, was the Black Death, which significantly reduced the population and led to a scarcity of labor. This contributed to the downfall of the feudal system as serfs gained more bargaining power and demanded higher wages, leading to an economic shift.
The Hundred Years' War also fueled the decline by weakening nobility and encouraging the rise of professional armies, thus diminishing the feudal obligation of military service. The emergence of strong central governments provided more organized and efficient administrations, which further eroded the decentralization characteristic of feudalism. Independent judicial systems replaced the lord's authority, and the need for mutual protection that underpinned feudal relationships diminished.
Economic changes, including the increase in trade and the use of money, created new social classes and professional paths that did not rely on feudal hierarchies. Furthermore, events like the Peasants' Revolt in England indicated growing unrest with feudal obligations and the desire for social change. Collectively, these forces gradually rendered the feudal system obsolete, ushering in the early modern period.