The Effects of Feudalism

How does government effect society? In what ways does it do so?

Government and forms of leadership is the defining factor of a society in history. All components which make up a society depend upon and operate according to the governmental structure which it functions under. Consequently, if the government is influenced, changed, or effected in any way, an equal effect would be felt on all components of the governed, as well as the governed institutions which makeup the societal foundation. But, if the government makes an improvement or success, that triumph is sure to be felt throughout the foundations of society, including aspects such as the economy and instated laws. It can be said that history is generally made when change happens, and one of the biggest changes which can occur happens in government and the way a society is ran and functions. In Europe, Feudalism is an ideal demonstration of how the government effects the very foundations of society with every change it undergoes. Feudalism, the new principle of law and governing structure of Europe between the ninth and fifteenth centuries, vastly influenced the entire population of the continent, as well as how it operated and abided by aspects of life. Firstly, the way by which the government, or positions in society (rankings) were taken was drastically changed as a result of the shift in governing structures. Under Feudalism, no one was “crowned head” or “sovereign”. Instead, the King, lords, vassals, and people (serfs) were joined by a contract, all part of a symbiotic lifestyle; Feudalism worked as a mere relationship and mutual responsibility, so to speak. Although there was still a notion of supremacy, it was a much more involving and inclusive structure than it was before. Thus, we see the first change which Feudalism imposed on society, as it was an encompassing governing effort, opposed to a monarchial system. Additionally, because of the serf-lord contract, there was everything but a shortage of work, surplus of production, and a great amount of food! Feudalism redefined the way a peasant lived their life, as the lord provided them with everything they strived to attain themselves: protection, food, work, occasionally money, and a home. The “manor” of the lord became the village, which included housing of the lord and peasantry, vast farmlands, and more. Rarely would a serf abandon the lord and their estate, as they would loose everything the lord provided. The people also received the administration of justice, something which was quite challenging to obtain before Feudalism was instated in society. Part of the justice was the right to food, as the peasants received a portion of the produce which they worked for. Essentially, Feudalism reestablished the way common people lived their lives, making them a much more participatory and influential role in society. Not only effecting social class, Feudalism also influenced the economy. With the lord and serf relationship, and all the giving (lords) and working/receiving (peasants), money was not very much needed as no currency was being exchanged! Virtually (in Europe), no money was being circulated since the new currency was forms of work and loyalty. This, of course, had an immense effect on the economy as Europe was pretty much removed from the economic edge of things for a good while; they might have sold produced materials and goods, but had little intake as they sustained themselves from what was being made/had locally. The government dictated the economic flow and status throughout the society which it governed. Lastly, Feudalism was in great support of and greatly impacted the religious role of leaders and beliefs in society. As the manorial system was based agriculturally (land-wise), it makes sense to say that the clergy and religious officials were incredibly supported during the reign of Feudalism and they were the ones who owned such lands, and therefore, good and workers. The church in Europe held much of the land in form of manors, as the lords were primarily (if not all) religious officials and members of the higher clergy. Therefore, an increased importance of the church was imposed throughout Europe as the governing structure was based off of religiously related leaders. Feudalism illustrates how a governmental structure of a society completely redefines the way it functions and the principles which its population operates by, as Feudal standards made an enormous impact on how European society functioned lawfully, agriculturally, socially, economically, and religiously. Governments develop standards by which societies regulate upon, making the governing structure of a society one of the key components which defines such a society and the way which it is managed; this also makes a profound effect on history itself. Feudalism totally redefined Europe, as well as the history of government and leadership as we know it.