Definition of Feudalism (Ints105)

 Introduction 

Feudalism is the dominant social system of Medieval Europe, in which the nobility held lands from the Crown or King in exchange for military services and Vassals were in turn tenants of the nobles while the peasants (Serfs) were obliged to live on their lord's land and give a share of the produce in exchanged for military protection.

This means that for safety, Men needed the protection of a land owner or Lord who had wealth and power. The peasants farm the lands for the lords and have to serve him in return for the protection of his warriors against enemies.

Definition 

Feudalism can be defined as a mode of production geared towards protection of material wealth based on the Feudal ownership of the main means of production i.e. land, and the personal dependents of peasants (Serfs) on the feudal lords engaged in farming plots of land belonging to the feudal lords.

Structure and Relationships:

• The King or Crown granted large tracts of land called fiefs to nobles or lords in exchange for military service and loyalty.

A soldier paying homage to a Feudal king

• The nobles then granted portions of their land to vassals (often knights) who, in return, pledged military support and service.

Image of Italian nobles

• At the bottom of the hierarchy were the peasants or serfs, who worked the land. They were bound to the estate and not free to leave without permission.

A knight

Economic Basis

• The main means of production was land, which was owned by the feudal lords.
• Serfs cultivated the land and paid rent or produce to their lords, often in the form of crops, labor, or services.

Serfs farming 

• In exchange, the lords provided protection from invaders or rival groups through their knights and soldiers.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, feudalism was a hierarchical system based on land ownership and mutual obligations, where lords provided protection and land to vassals and peasants in exchange for loyalty, labor, and service. It was both a social and economic structure that defined medieval Europe and shaped its mode of production and power relations.

References 

Wikipedia contributors 

Ints105 note dictated by Dr. Edgar