There are many different views on how feudalism affected the "Middle Ages". Some people believe it was genius while others think it was a disaster. There is only one thing that is truly certain about feudalism and that is that it had political, social and economic impacts.
             Feudalism was developed to secure the alliance between a feudal lord and an ordinary peasant. The feudal lord would give a section of land to a "fief" and in return, the peasant would pledge his full allegiance to the lord. In document, nineteen it is stated that, "the principle means of securing the allegiance of the noble was by a gift of land". The only means that held the lord and the fief together was a mutual agreement. Document 22 supports this, "...the feudal relationship was essentially a contract between lord and vassals which was defined and enforced by mutual agreement...".
             Feudalism gave the power to the lords. They could control the peasants and expected complete obedience in return. In document four a soldier speaks of his lord. "And so long as I live I ought to provide service and honor to you, suitably to my free condition; and I shall not during the time of my life have the ability to withdraw from your power or guardianship; but must remain during the days of my life under your power or defense". It is pointed out in document 17 that a person could be condemned if they did not follow through with their contract. "...the aforesaid court of Agen has unanimously pronounced sentence against you, and for these matters has condemned you to hand over and restore to us the chateau of Auvillars and all that land which you hold from us in fee...".
             Another impact of feudalism was that a commoner could never move up socially. "By the ninth and tenth centuries...the upper classes had gained title to practically all of the land, and most of the common people had become serfs" (Doc. 44...