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Feudalism took a big development when the Western Roman Empire fell in 476 C.E. The people needed some form of a political system to help and defend themselves.
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Charles Martel lays the foundation for European feudalism by granting tracts of land to his nobles.
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This decentralized organization formed as a result of central authority being unable to perform its functions and prevent the rise of local powers.
Although feudalism develops as early as the 8th century, under the Carolingian dynasty, it does not prevail widely in Europe until the 10th century. -
The Anglo Saxons tried to fight against the Normans and feudalism in England. Rebellions were led by the mother and family of the deposed King Harold. Hereward the Wake also led a rebellion against the Normans, but failed.
The Decline of Feudalism in England occurred due to many events including the Black Death, changes from a land-based economy to a money based economy and the establishment of Centralised government. -
As time passed the feudal system became more complex, more rigid, more open to abuse.
Kingdoms begin to emerge as effective centralized units of government. -
The Magna Carta, a legal document that limited the King's power and gave more rights to the nobles, was put into play. Later in the 13th century the Magna carta began contributing also to ideas about individual rights for the the lower classes.
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For about 100 years, France and England were engaged in constant battles which became known as the Hundred Year War, the long war slowly drew power away from the Feudal Kings and gave it to Monarchs and Common people.
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The Bubonic Plague hit Europe and for two centuries the disease killed millions, it affected every class (Kings, Nobles, Knights, Peasants) and almost everyone who caught it died. It devastated Europe and led to many economic and social changes.
