POsitives and Negatives of feudalism
Negatives:
Positives:
- 90% of population were were commoners or peasants
- Serfs had almost no say in this system and because of that they had to pay higher taxes to the lords that protected them
- It also effected kings as well
- The kings were not in direct control of all their subjects, so to maintain control they would have to appoint or have people they trusted, otherwise the un loyal people could easily appoint other Dukes and feudal Lords that supported their side
- Gave all kings power, which created an oppressive system
- Relied on gaining status through work and power, rather than being qualified or intelligent for the position
- Due to the small number of educated people in Europe and the absence of meritocracy, intellect had little to do with feudalism
Positives:
- Benefited people at the top of the ladder but also those at the bottom
- Was a flexible system making power and decision making localized and not left in control of a distant monarch
- People were separated from those who wanted to fight and those who did not want to fight
- Allowed stability and social security in society
- A lord had a unique relationship with his vassals, which was a step forward to recognizing the individuality of a vassal
- Feudalism benefited everyone even Serfs and Peasants were included in society
- Created an obligation for the powerful to help and protect the weak
- The vassal owed service to the lord and the lord owed certain things to the vassal
- Serfs provided everyone with food while those higher than the serfs provided protection to those below them and loyalty to those above them
- Allowed the rich to keep and expand their land, while allowing the poor people to farm the land that they did not own
- Gave everyone a chance to survive and gave constant work
- Also led to a much safer, stable, and organized society.