Definition Of Feudalism

that is created by scholars in the seventeenth century, well after the medieval age. Thus

the term is filled with confusion and inaccuracy. In a way, the term feudalism tries to

condense all the aspects of a complex society into one term. By creating the term,

scholars tried to condense the society into connections to the feud, or estate granted to

“vassus” by lords. The terms vassus and lord meant different things to different groups of

peoples in different areas and during different times. Thus it is hard define precisely what

feudalism is. Scholars however have two differing descriptions about how to view

In one view, that of Marc Bloch, viewed feudalism as t

. . .
The ruling counts were below kings in

early feudalism, however when the kings failed to protect, the counts stepped in and

protected their people for a price, that of subservience. These retainers became the vassals.

Just as there is confusion over the precise definition of feudalism, there is

confusion over its origins. Under the lords were their “bodyguards” or knights. He saw all of these issues centering around

lordship.

In the more widely held, modern view, Martel purchased the loyalty of subjects

with land or other wealth. Below

these knights were the retainers or vassals. These vassals were not

members of the nobility and thus could not rule. Marxism’s main emphasis is that of the plight of the worker thus in his view of

feudalism only the peasants contributed to society. Thus the government was ruled by the lords and royal officials

who ruled over their land.

In another major view, feudalism is largely a political term. Those that were trained in using the

stirrup to spear his enemy became valuable to the lords, who made these men take oaths

of allegiance to them.

In a time of civil war and danger from barbarian invaders, feudalism provided protection

and a way of life to the peasants of Europe.

Common topics in this essay:
Karl Marx, , Marc Bloch, Mifflin Company, view feudalism, retainers vassals, indebted lords, life peasants, lower class, modern view,

Approximate Word count = 524
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

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