History 2401E Lecture Notes - Got Money, Feudalism
Document Summary
Changes & continuities: western europe in the 9th and 10th centuries, feudalism: Feudalism: emerged in response to muslim raids, refers to the decentralization of political authority, decentralization in this authority encompasses judicial and administrative, not a complete step backwards though. Definition of feudalism (decentralization of political, administrative and judicial governmental functions): political system based on bonds of loyalty between a lord and vassal; it was a military and political system. Strictly contractual relationship, could be nullified if one party does not meet requirements of contract or obligations to the other. Possibly by the late eighth or early ninth centuries (treaty of verdun, 843) No king should have vassals in another kingdom, would undermine authority. By 9th century, feudalism is entrenched in charlemagne"s land. Although the idea of a nation around a leader was the political system, feudalism was the reality.
