The Feudal Revolution

The Feudal Revolution

The Feudal Revolution swept across Europe causing significant changes in the political landscape. The revolution began from middle 10th century and reached its peak around the 12th century. Feudalism was a contractual agreement among the upper classes by which a lord gave land to his men, vassals, in return for military services. Feudalism originated in Germany around 450 AD after Germanic tribes conquered Rome. Its origins were between the Rhine and Loire River. Feudalism soon spread to Italy, England, and most of central and eastern Europe. The numerous flaws of the feudal system such as subinfeudation and homage, would eventually lead to its downfall in 1660.

Feudalism was initially used as a method of local defense. In the times of uncertainty that plagued eastern Europe after the decline of the Roman Empire, feudalism provided public power and armed forces in the hands of private landowners. The feudal system made for a formidable defense against Moslems, Vikings and other invaders. Early feudalism mainly evolved to allow monarchs to maintain large armies of mounted troops by giving them land in exchange for their services. Later feudalism consisted of a more political relationship between Lord and Vassal. The bond between lord and vassal allowed wealthy landowners the ability to field an army quickly when needed. The relationships in the feudal system resemble a pyramid. The lowest vassals are at the base

and the lines of authority flow up to the peak of the format, the king. Lords and vassals were meshed together in a web of mutual obligations. The vassals owed their lords a specified number of days annually in military service and in protecting the castle. At the top of the py...

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...e for individual satisfaction. Strong lordships, such as kings in France and England, plagued the local governments that were necessary for a healthy feudal system. The constant division of land and ownership due too subinfeudation and inheritance, would further lead to the decay of the feudalism.

Feudalism would survive beyond the close of feudal inhabitancy in 1660. The influence remains in present day Europe. Feudal remnants remain in English

constitution. The main concept of twentieth century libertarianism stems from the feudal revolution. The idea of private ownership and rights of the individual are directly taken from the feudalism. Centralized government exposes the short comings of feudalism. For feudalism to last eight centuries, was remarkable. To think that Europe could be ruled on the bases of verbal commitment and trust was extraordinary.