The Origins and Development of Feudalism

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Although scholars dispute its roots, Feudalism was mostly seen in Frankish lands around the 9th and 10th century. ("Feudalism: History of Feudalism in Europe." Infoplease.) The system was first introduced as a means of protection for the king. However, as time grew the opportunity to use it as means of exchange for services between the king and vassal was found. Instead of just forcing people into the king’s army the idea of giving fiefs to those who would pledge their life to service the king was decided on. Likewise, vassal, or the knights saw the advantages they had that could be used to their advantage. Men who were vassal saw that they could gain land and privileges from servicing the king. Some of the men who gained higher rank or owned lots of land would end up forcing the king to grant them rights of private justice and immunity from royal interference. As well when men decided to become a vassal’s not only did they pledge their life to service but as well went through an entire ceremony. The ceremony was known as the Homage Ceremony. The first major part of the ceremony was the Oath of Fealty in which the vassal would wear allegiance to the king. ( "Vassals." Vassals.) After which the Investiture would begin the king would give the vassal a fief and then touch the vassal’s hand and announce his acceptance of the vassal. ( "Vassals." Vassals.) This ceremony sealed the vassal placed in the king corner. The vassal’s fief was the land he was given by the king. However, the vassal was not the one on the land. Most people within the Middle Ages did not move or go anywhere very often. If you were born somewhere during these times, you most likely to stay there till your death. This idea matters greatly in the scheme of Feud... ... middle of paper ... ...ISM.) In contrast in Germany, kings seem unable to keep a reign on their crown as well as their nobles and other officials. ("HISTORY OF FEUDALISM." HISTORY OF FEUDALISM. ) The structure seems to fall over due to the nobility’s places as second in the Feudalism structure. But in some cases the nobility actually had more money and power than the king himself. This and as well as the other problems discussed would eventually lead to taxing and ruling from a central place, slowly becoming the norm. But, although the system seems to fall apart its customs seem to be made use to other places. Works Cited "Feudalism: History of Feudalism in Europe." Infoplease. Infoplease, 2012. Web. 27 Apr. 2014. "Fief." Fief. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2014. "HISTORY OF FEUDALISM." HISTORY OF FEUDALISM. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2014. "Vassals." Vassals. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2014.

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