Feudal Europe

There have been several key time periods that have changed the face of society such as; the hunter gatherer nomadic lifestyle to agriculture, classical antiquities, the Middle Ages renaissance, reformation to modern times. In a lecture for History and Social Change at the University of Abertay Dundee, W Mcneish describes history as being a “contested terrain with the views of the historian giving their perception of events”. This essay will discuss the key features of the feudal period and the key processes leading to the transition of this society from a sociological perspective covering; the rise of feudalism, the hierarchical structure of feudal Europe, the feudal mode of production, urban life, the role of religion and finally, the decline of the feudal period.

Harman (2008) explains how Rome ruled its Empire in the West and East for 600 and 1600 years respectively. The Western Empires slave based economy collapsed in 410 AD effectuating the end of Roman governance. Germanic invaders settled in the land and the dark ages ensued. Rome’s legacy was the Roman Catholic Church with its power and influence becoming part of the feudal ruling class.

Anderson (1978) intimates feudalism emerging in the 10th century with France preceding. Feudal Europe was structured as follows: - The King at the top of society was feudal Lord, the divine monarch ordained by God giving the law. The Barons swore deference to the King providing him with Knights for battle and in return the King gave them land. The Church also perceived the King as feudal lord providing him with Knights. At the bottom of society were the Villeins (Serfs) legally known as freemen but tied to the lord, paying him feudal dues (surplus) in return for the piece of land ...

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