Feudalism in Europe: Political, Economic, and Social System

Feudalism was the political, economic, and social system which characterized Western Europe between the 9th and 15 centuries

Most prominent features were the loss of political power by the kings, a primarily agrarian economy, a social organization based on relationships of dependence between people, and the enormous influence of Christian religion

Feudalism was a consequence of the instability and the moments of crisis and poverty that followed the death of Emperor Charlemagne in 814

The kings were unable to protect their entire territory and sought protection from powerful local nobles who swore their loyalty and military allegiance in exchange for concessions

Peasants sought the protection of the nobles, in exchange for surrendering their land or their work

Feudalism spread throughout the European territories located between the Atlantic coast and the Russian plains, and between the northern coasts of the continent and the Mediterranean Sea

Feudal Europe was fragmented into numerous kingdoms and independent states, governed by kings who considered that their power came from God

They led the army, legislated, and judged

The lord-vassal relationship, or vassalage, was established between a lord, who could be the king or a great nobleman or clergyman, and a vassal, generally another nobleman of lower rank

They would exchange economic concessions in a ceremony known as the commendation ceremony, which was attended by family and relatives

Revolved around military activity, for which they were trained from a very early age

Noblewomen married the person designated by their parents. They owed complete obedience to their husband and they devoted themselves to managing the servants, raising the children, praying, and embroidering

Those not married, would enter monasteries

The nobility differentiated itself from the other social groups through their clothing, characterized by the quality and color of fabrics

Their diet included a greater amount of meat, seasoned with expensive spices, and the preparation of foods with refined recipes

Parliaments were formed: the king would convene the representatives of the three social groups mainly with the purpose of approving the levy of taxes or financial support

Previously, each social group would present its petitions and requests to the king