Question

Is the term feudalism still useful as a historical concept or has it become a misleading myth? What problems did it solve, and what others did does it create? In the High Middle Ages, what relationships do you see between economic growth and political power? For example what do we know about the growth of towns and trade. Between economic growth and technological achievements?

Answer 1

Feudalism was the most dominant political organization in the medieval times where the lord granted land to the  free man who promised in return to give military and other services. At present the term feudalism is used for any oppressive, backward system of government.In the French revolution the 'feudal regime' was removed by the national assembly.In Karl Marx's "Communist Manifsto"feudalism is related to oppression in the agrarian economy that preceded the industralized capitalist economy.The term has not dissappeared totally and is still used sparingly for oppression.

The feudal system solved many problems in medieval Europe . It solved the problem of food and protection for the poor.The lord employed the poor to work on their lands.Feudalism provided stability and social security.Serfs and peasants were a part of society and feudalism brought benefit to all.The powerful lords had the obligation of protecting the vassals and the vassals in return  promised to provide military and other services to them.However it created certain problems for the lords because they had to take care of the serfs and provide safety which at times was not possible.It was bad for lords because money was spread between manors and so affording to make large projects was difficult.Again there were constant arguments betweeen manors and lords had to arrange for protection in order to ensure safety to manor..

The growth of trade led to the rise of trading centers on the important sea routes that connected western Europe with the Mediterranean sea, Russia and Scandinavia.Two important trading centers were Venice and Flanders.The increase in trade enlarged the towns and cities in EuropeWith trade the towns and cities got the economic base to grow..Towns became very important as trade grew and people started living in large numbers in towns and cities to prduce goods to be traded.

During medieval ages there were many technological advances which led to eonomic growth.Major technological advances included adoption of gun powder ,windmills were invented,there were improved water mills,mechanical clocks, spectacles,Gothic style architecture, and three field crop rotation in agriculture.