Question

REPORT: FEUDALISM

OBJECTIVES
Write a report summarizing the effect of feudalism on the country of your choice.
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Using the Internet, encyclopedia, and/or other reference material for research, write a 500-word report on feudalism in the history in one of the following countries:

France
England
Germany
Include the approximate years when feudalism began and ended in that country.
Give its strong and weak points, including how feudalism finished its course in the country you selected.
In addition, tell who the national leaders were at the time that feudalism was active in that country.
Did the national leader play a part in encouraging or harming feudalism within their country? Please explain.

Answer 1

Feudalism was a system of political and social organization that emerged in medieval Europe and lasted from the 9th to the 15th centuries. This report will focus on the effects of feudalism on France, which was one of the most prominent feudal societies during this period.

Feudalism in France began in the 9th century, when the Carolingian dynasty was in decline. Feudal lords, known as nobles or barons, were granted land by the king in exchange for military service and loyalty. The king retained ultimate authority over the country, but much of the day-to-day governance was carried out by the feudal lords.

One of the strong points of feudalism in France was that it helped maintain social order and stability during a period of political and economic turmoil. The feudal system created a hierarchical structure that allowed for a clear division of labor and responsibilities. Feudal lords provided protection to their vassals, who in turn provided labor and military service to their lords. This system helped to maintain social cohesion and prevented the country from descending into chaos.

However, feudalism in France also had several weak points. One of the biggest drawbacks was that it created a highly stratified society, where social mobility was virtually impossible. Serfs and peasants were tied to the land and had no way to advance their social status. This led to a system of social inequality and injustice that persisted for centuries.

Feudalism in France began to decline in the late 14th century, as the power of the monarchy began to increase. King Philip IV (1285-1314) was one of the most important national leaders during this period. He worked to centralize the power of the monarchy and reduce the influence of the feudal lords. He also established the Estates-General, a national assembly that represented the three estates of the realm (nobles, clergy, and commoners).

Another important national leader during the decline of feudalism in France was King Louis XI (1461-1483). He worked to establish a more centralized and efficient government, and also abolished many of the feudal privileges that had existed for centuries. Louis XI also worked to promote economic growth and development, which helped to usher in the Renaissance in France.

In conclusion, feudalism had both positive and negative effects on France. It helped to maintain social order and stability during a period of political and economic turmoil, but it also created a highly stratified society with little social mobility. Feudalism began to decline in France in the late 14th century, as the power of the monarchy began to increase. National leaders like Philip IV and Louis XI played important roles in this process, working to centralize power and reduce the influence of the feudal lords.

Answer 2

Feudalism in England started with William the Conqueror in 1066 and gradually declined by the end of the 14th century due to social and economic changes. National leaders played significant roles in both maintaining and dissolving the system. The end of feudalism marked a transition towards capitalism and the industrial era.

Step-by-step explanation:

Report on Feudalism in England

The emergence of feudalism in England can be traced back to the aftermath of the Norman Conquest, specifically starting in 1066 with William the Conqueror. He established a centralized feudal system where loyalty and military service were exchanged for land or fiefs. This period in England is defined by the hierarchical structure where peasants worked the land in exchange for protection and a place to live, provided by the nobility.

Feudalism in England showed its resilience until approximately the end of the 14th century. The system began to decline due to a combination of factors including the Black Death, the Great Famine, and societal changes such as the rise of a merchant class and diminishing importance of the feudal military service owing to the advent of professional armies. These shifts marked the transition towards a more economically based capitalist society and the rise of the industrial era.

The national leaders during the height of feudalism included figures like King John, recorded for the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215, to King Henry VII, who witnessed the waning of feudalism. The national leader's role was significant in both upholding the feudal system and, eventually, in presiding over its disintegration. Measures such as the Magna Carta limited the powers of the king and unintentionally fostered a move away from feudal practices. Ultimately, the conversion to a centralized government under the Tudors marked the end of feudalism in England.

Feudalism's demise in England was a multifaceted process, influenced by socioeconomic changes, peasant revolts, legislative reforms, and shifts in military strategies. Its strong points included a clear hierarchical structure and mutual support between different classes but were undermined by its inherent inequalities and inability to adapt to a changing world.