The disadvantages of feudalism
Posted by Chester Morton / Saturday, 12 May 2018 / No comments
Definition of feudalism
A feudal government is a system of government in which the
nobles of the society receive land from the monarch in return for military
service to the state, then they in turn give their lands to farmers who work the
land and give a share of the proceeds back to them, in addition to providing
labour and paying homage. In compensation, the peasants, also called vassals,
receive military protection from the nobles.
THE DISADVANTAGES OF
FEUDALISM
Created a class system
One of the arguments against feudalism is that it brought
class divisions among the people. Obviously, feudalism divided the people into the class of the nobles and and of the vassals. Aside the division into nobles and vassals, feudalism also created a class of the rich and the
poor. The rich owners of the land continued to be rich while the poor peasants
who worked the land continued to be poor.
Deplorable conditions
Also, feudalism made the conditions of the peasant farmers
or the vassals very deplorable. This was because they could not hold any lands
of their own except what was given to them by the nobles. They also had to work
for the nobles and virtually remain their slaves.
Discouraged formation of states
Another disadvantage of feudalism is that it became
increasingly difficult for nations to be formed. This was because the nobles from
one region continued to war against nobles from other regions and invasions
were common place; therefore there was no way a peaceful nation could be formed
under such unstable circumstances.
Absence of peace
Flowing from the above point is the fact that the presence
of constant battles between one group of nobles and another created the atmosphere
of lack of peace. In addition, the presence of such unstable conditions
made it difficult for the development of the society.
Absence of unity in Europe
Another disadvantage of feudalism is that Europe could not
be united in the presence of rivalry, suspicion and war. The presence of the
feudal system made it difficult for Europe to be united. With the absence of
unity, no real sovereign states could be created in Europe.
SAMPLE QUESTION(S)
1. a. Define feudalism
b. Explain five
disadvantages of a feudal system of government.
ALSO READ:
The features of feudalism
The advantages of feudalism
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