Posted by Chester Morton / Friday 11 May 2018 / No comments
The advantages of a feudal system of government
THE ADVANTAGES OF A
FEUDAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
Definition
A feudal government is a system of government in which the
nobles of the society receive land from the monarch in return for military service
to the state, then give those lands to farmers who work the land and give a share
of the proceeds back to them, in addition to providing labour and paying homage.
In compensation, the peasants, also called vassals, receive military protection
from the nobles.
THE ADVANTAGES OF
FEUDALISM
Ensured the protection of the common man
One of the advantages of feudalism is that it gave protection
to the common men in the society. In those days, soldiers went from place to
place invading territories. By coming under the protection of the nobles
therefore, the vassals were saved from the clutches of such marauding foreign
invaders.
It eliminated the tyranny of the kings
Another advantage of feudalism is that the vassals were
protected from the tyrannical rules of the monarchs. The nobles or the feudal
lords kind of owned the vassals who occupy their land and therefore the king
did not directly deal with the vassals. This arrangement offered protection to
the common people against any tyrannical tendency of the monarchy.
It curtailed slavery
Another advantage is that it prevented slavery from
flourishing in Europe. Every common man or vassal was under the protection of
one noble or the other. For that reason, they could not be sold into slavery
without incurring the displeasure of the owner and fueling conflicts. In this
way, the slavery system could not triumph in Europe.
Display of chivalry
Chivalry was at the time associated with the show of
courtesy to women especially, being ready to defend people who were in trouble
and generally being of a gentle disposition. In fact, the nobles protected the
weak from the stronger men of the society. The nobles lived by this code of
chivalry, thus affording them the opportunity to exhibit them.
Created peace of mind
There was peace of mind for the common people or the
vassals. This was because all that had to be done was to fulfill one’s duty to
one’s lord, such as, paying homage and a fee referred to as fief. The rest was
left to the lord whose duty it was to offer protection and save the vassal in
times of trouble.
Brought peace to the society
The understanding of the arrangement of the feudal system
created a cordial relationship between the nobles and their vassals. This
cordiality led to general peace in the entire society. It can therefore be
concluded that feudalism brought peace to Europe at the time.
SAMPLE QUESTION(S)
1. a. What is feudalism?
b. What are the
advantages of feudalism?
2. Highlight six advantages of a feudal system of
government.
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