Feudalism | Overview

OVERVIEW

WHO CONTROLS GOVERNMENT? Nobility

HOW IS GOVERNMENT PUT INTO POWER? Birth; feudal contract

WHAT ROLES DO THE PEOPLE HAVE? Work for nobles' benefit

WHO CONTROLS PRODUCTION OF GOODS? Nobility

WHO CONTROLS DISTRIBUTION OF GOODS? Nobility

MAJOR FIGURES William the Conqueror; Eleanor of Aquitaine

HISTORICAL EXAMPLE Medieval England

Few political systems have shown the adaptiveness and longevity of feudalism. This system, based on personal relationships, local administration, and defined hierarchies, touched several continents for more than 1,500 years. In some places it filled the void left by other political organizations; in others, it represented the next stage in the evolution of government. In both cases, feudalism grew out of practice and precedents. Theory followed experience. In all cases, a parallel code of values and...

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