Feudalism in the High Middle Ages

Definition and Historical Context

• Term Origin: Feudalism came into use in the 19th century.
• Time Period: Describes societal structure during the High Middle Ages (1000-1300 AD).

Basic Structure of Feudalism

• King's Land Ownership: Most land owned by the king and some by the church.
• Hierarchy of Land Distribution:
  • King → Tenants in Chief (Lords, bishops and Barons) Land in exchange for military and political support, loyalty, money.
  • Tenants in chief → Knights and vassals land (fief) in exchange for protection and military service
  • Knights and vassals → Peasants land and protection for food and services

Terminology

• Overlord: A king or lord who gives land to a lesser lord.
• Vassal: The person receiving land from an overlord.
• Fief: The land granted.
• Tithe : 10% part of income
• Serf : A farmer tied to working on his lords estate
• Kight : born of nobility, trained to fight

Complexity Beyond the Simplistic Model

• Cross-Border Relationships: Lords could hold lands in multiple countries (e.g., England and France).
• Horizontal Relationships: Many relationships were among equals, not purely vertical.
• Variety in Services:
  • Peasants provided labor service or rent.
  • Landowners had alliances; political and military support expected.

Decline of Feudalism

• Reduced Reliance on Lords for Military:
  • Shift to professional soldiers began in the 12th century.
  • By 1300, kings did not rely on feudal military obligations.
• Impact of the Black Death (1348):
  • Reduced population increased bargaining power for peasants.
  • Peasants demanded higher wages and could choose where to work.
• Economic Importance of Towns:
  • Towns had their own charters and trade, reducing nobility’s power.
  • Growth of prosperous urban classes.

Formal Abolition of Feudalism

• England: Feudalism declined from the 14th century; formally abolished by the Tenures Abolition Act of 1660.
• France: Abolished after the 1789 Revolution.
• Russia: Peasants freed in 1861.
• British Isles: Last traces abolished with the Scottish Parliament's Abolition of Feudal Tenure Act (2000), effective in 2004.

Conclusion

• Transition: Transition from feudal obligations to money as the key agent of power.
• Social Mobility: Increased for peasants and decline of the nobility’s control.
• Modern Impact: Feudalism's legacy lasted until the 21st century in some areas.