The Impact of Fuedalism

In document four a soldier speaks of his lord. The only means that held the lord and the fief together was a mutual agreement. It is pointed out in document 17 that a person could be condemned if they did not follow through with their contract. Document 22 supports this, “…the feudal relationship was essentially a contract between lord and vassals which was defined and enforced by mutual agreement…”. “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. Some were good and others were bad but all of them influenced the way thing would be run in the future. They could control the peasants and expected complete obedience in return.

Another impact of feudalism was that a commoner could never move up socially. “…the state, being incapable of maintaining its administration, allowed itself to be absorbed by feudality, the inevitable sequel of the economic regression”. “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”.

As you can see feudalism had many impacts on society. 44)

Economically feudalism weakened the central government and left the land open and more prone to attack. “…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…”.