Serfdom in Western Europe came largely to an end in the 15th and 16th centuries, because of changes in the economy, population, and laws governing lord-tenant relations in Western European nations. An important factor in the decline of serfdom was industrial development—especially the Industrial Revolution.

By the High Middle Ages (about 1000 C.E.), Europeans had developed the system of feudalism. Feudalism provided people with protection and safety by establishing a stable social order. Under this system, people were bound to one another by promises of loyalty.

feudalism, also called feudal system or feudality, French féodalité, historiographic construct designating the social, economic, and political conditions in western Europe during the early Middle Ages, the long stretch of time between the 5th and 12th centuries.

Western Europeans of the later Middle Ages referred to themselves as… What caused the end of serfdom in western Europe? -Economic Growth.

1861

France

Serfs who occupied a plot of land were required to work for the Lord of the Manor who owned that land, and in return were entitled to protection, justice and the right to exploit certain fields within the manor to maintain their own subsistence. Serfs formed the lowest social class of feudal society.

The loss of all English-held territory in France except Calais. A high number of casualties amongst the nobility, particularly in France. A decline in trade, especially English wool and Gascon wine. A great wave of taxes to pay for the war which contributed to social unrest in both countries.

Terms in this set (17) Political turmoil and constant turmoil led to feudalism. Invaders attacked, the king could not protect them so they turned to local leaders who could fight the invaders. Whoever could fight the invaders gained followers and political strength.

Reasons behind the feudal system

• Some historians said feudalism began during the Dark Ages – people were in such danger that they were prepared to keep a local warrior in luxury, if he protected them.
• Some historians said that feudalism began with weak kings, who had to buy support by giving their nobles land in return for a promise of loyalty.

There were many causes for the breakdown of the feudal system. You will explore three of these causes: political changes in England, a terrible disease, and a long series of wars. In England, several political changes in the 12th and 13th centuries helped to weaken feudalism.

Its four main features were:

• The king was at the topmost level of the feudal system.
• The serfs or the peasants occupied the lowest strata in the feudal system.
• The Castle was the chief characteristic of feudalism.
• The king gave lands to barons and the latter provided troops to the King.