Feudalism

usgb/ˈfjuːdəlɪzəm/
noun

A social system that existed in Europe during the Middle Ages, where people worked and fought for nobles who gave them protection and the use of land in return.

The lord had complete power over the land and people under feudalism.
Visual representation of "feudalism" - A social system that existed in Europe during the Middle Ages, where people worked and fought for nobles who gave them protection and the use of land in return.

Often appears as...

  • feudalism system
  • feudalism in europe
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "feudalism"
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Historical Context

Understand feudalism as a historical term reflecting medieval social structures, not modern ones.

Illustration for Historical Context
Historical novels often depict the rigid social hierarchy of feudalism.
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Not Contemporary

Feudalism is not used to describe current social systems, it's a term for past societies.

Illustration for Not Contemporary
She studied feudalism to understand the history of medieval Europe, not present-day politics.
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Power Dynamics

Reflects strict power hierarchies, notice the focus on land and protection in exchange for service.

Illustration for Power Dynamics
Feudalism was based on a hierarchy with the king at the top, followed by lords and vassals.
Visual representation of the word "Feudalism"

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