Effects of Feudalism in Medieval Europe

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF FEUDALISM:

1.      Condition of Society: 90% of populations were commoners or peasants. Serfs had almost no say in this system and because of that they had to pay higher taxes to the Lords that protected them. Strict separation and segregation in Europe’s social classes also served to only hinder the development of its society.

2.   Centralization of Power: The Kings were not in direct control of all their subjects, so to maintain control they would have to appoint or have people they trusted, otherwise the un loyal people could easily appoint other Dukes and feudal Lords that supported their side. This led to a condition and gave all Kings Power, which created an oppressive system.

3.  Absence of Meritocracy: Relied on gaining status through work and power, rather than being qualified or intelligent for the position. Due to the small number of educated people in Europe and the absence of meritocracy, intellect had little to do with feudalism

4.  Division of Society: the society was divided into two classes, viz, the feudal class and the peasantry. The Lords acquired more wealth and power. In due course of time they hated the Vassals and did not do any good for them. This created dark clouds in the mental horizon of common men.

5.    Discouraged nationalism: Feudalism discouraged nationalism. As war became a regular feature among the Lords, it created hurdles in the formation of nation state.

6.      Political unity of Europe was lost: Due to feudalism, the political unity of Europe was lost. This gave way to war and conspiracy among the Lords in Europe. Thus, the dream of the creation of sovereign states was shattered on the rock of frustration.

7.  Deplorable condition of Peasants: Finally, this feudalism made the condition of peasants deplorable. It became difficult on their part to earn their livelihood from a small quantity of land.

8.    Cordial Relationship: The relation between Lord and a Vassal was Cordial. They fulfilled the need of each other. The European Society breathed a healthy atmosphere due to this feudalism.

POSITIVE EFFECTS OF FEUDALISM:

1.    Protection from foreign invasion: Feudalism protected common men from the foreign invaders. By saving people from the clutches of invaders and plunders, it created a healthy society.

2.    Saviour from the tyranny of the King: The feudal Lords were able to save the common men from the tyranny of the King. The common men get respite. A healthy society was created in Europe by feudalism.

3.   Non-Sustenance of Slavery: Slavery could not thrive in Europe due to feudalism. Since the Vassals were under a Lord, they could not be sold as chattels. Thus, feudalism gave a terrible blow to the slavery system in Europe.

4.   Warrior-ship of Knights: The Knights showed their Chivalry. They considered saving weak from the strong as their prime duty. They also showed honour to women. Due to the Knights, feudalism became popular in Europe.

5.   Protection after Homage: Feudalism put an end to the worry of the people. Their duty was finished when they paid their ‘Homage’ to the Lord. Then the Lord had to give him fief and save him. It allowed stability and social security in society.

6.    Continuous Employment: Serfs provided everyone with food while those higher than the serfs provided protection to those below them and loyalty to those above them. Allowed the rich to keep and expand their land, while allowing the poor people to farm the land that they did not own. It gave everyone a chance to survive and gave constant work.

7.    Condition of Society: People were separated from those who wanted to fight and those who did not want to fight. Feudalism benefited everyone even Serfs and Peasants were included in society. The vassal owed service to the Lord and the Lord owed certain things to the vassal.