Final answer:
Feudalism emerged in response to the need for local protection and a stable social structure during a time when centralized authority was weak and external threats, like Viking raids, were common. It established a hierarchal order of land ownership and protection, but eventually declined due to societal changes and the rise of more centralized governments and capitalism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "need" for feudalism arose from the breakdown of centralized political authority and the persistent threat of raiders, like the Vikings, which created a demand for local protection and stability. Feudalism was characterized by a hierarchal structure where individuals pledged loyalty and military service to their superiors in exchange for protection and the use of land, called fiefs. The system was complex and interwoven with obligations, sometimes resulting in powerful vassals challenging the king's authority.
Kings and nobles granted land to knights and lesser lords, who in turn provided military service and protection to estates. These knights and lords managed the land and collected resources from the peasants or serfs, who worked the land in return for shelter and the guarantee of safety in an era frequently marred by invasions and local conflicts.
Over time, this system evolved, and the rise of the merchant class and the consequences of the Black Death began to undermine traditional feudal relationships, paving the way for structural changes in society and eventually leading to the transition towards capitalism and more centralized forms of government.