Decline of Feudalism

During the Medieval Age, one of the most important institutions was Feudalism. Feudalism as an institution flourished in Europe for many centuries. But with the rise of the middle class, it started to decline.

Rise of powerful kingdoms as well as warfare between the feudal lords further led to its decline. Emergence of new towns and cities and a revival of trade also led to the disintegration of the feudal system. These towns were centers of production and were governed by elected representatives. The atmosphere of the towns was free from feudal restriction and control as people were free to go anywhere and to take up any profession.

Towns attracted artisans and peasants from rural areas because they provided better prospects of living and acting as a refuge from feudal exploitation. These towns and cities encouraged the production of many crops such as cotton and sugarcane. Peasants were paid in cash for their product. The manufactured goods were sold in the markets where money was the medium of exchange.

The lords began to accept money from their vassals instead of services as they also needed money to buy various luxurious commodities. This led to the rise of a powerful merchant class. They now began to aspire for a higher status in the social hierarchy. They began to support the powerful monarchs to undermine the position of the feudal lords which weakened the feudal structure and led to the decline of the feudal order.

The infusion of new ideas created a new awakening. This gave birth to a new movement called the Renaissance.