Question

Explain two theories or frameworks for understanding how Western Europe emerged out of 1,000 years of feudalism.

(e.g. 2-3 well-reasoned paragraphs).

Answer 1

Feudalism and the synonymous term feudal system are terms that have been coined long after they were applied to. We refer to what those who invented them considered as the early and central Middle Ages ' most important and defining characteristics. By the beginning of the 17th century, the terms feudality and feudal system were invented, and by the end of the 18th century the English words feudality and feudalism (as well as feudal pyramid) were used. These were derived from the Latin words feudum and feodalitas (fief-related services), both used during the Middle Ages and later to refer to a form of ownership.

The Roman Empire and the successes of the various emperors provided a key to understanding Roman history, and the re-emergence of states and strong rulers in the 12th century once again provided manageable focal points for historical narrative, particularly as medieval states and governmental practices can be viewed as antecedents of modern nations and institutions. The feudal building filled the gap between the 5th and 12th centuries smoothly. Although in this evolution Charlemagne may seem an anomaly, it was viewed as "sowing the seeds" from which feudalism originated.

A number of Roman, Barbarian, and Carolingian systems have been considered precedents of feudal practices: Roman lordship and tradition, barbarian war chiefdoms and bands, land grants to soldiers and office holders, and oaths of allegiance and fidelity. In the 17th century, as later, in the 11th century, there was the high point of feudalism. Later rulers who embraced and modified feudal systems to increase their power were branded "feudal" and dubbed "feudal monarchies" by their governments.

Following Millar's example, in times and places outside of medieval Europe, most notably Japan, some later scholars continued to look for feudal institutions. Predictably, these attempts culminated in misunderstandings and misunderstandings. Historians using the feudal model for comparative purposes highlighted certain features that mimic or tend to imitate Western feudal practices and ignored other, dissimilar elements, some of which were exceptional in shaping the development of the areas concerned. The use of the feudal paradigm for Westerners inevitably created a false sense of familiarity with cultures that are different from their own.