Middle Ages Regents 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Feudalism in western Europe emerged as a response to the socio-political landscape that followed the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 5th century. The fall of Rome led to significant instability across the region, including loss of centralized governance, economic turmoil, and widespread warfare. As a result, local lords began to assume control over smaller territories to protect their communities from invasions and maintain order. This led to the establishment of a system where land was exchanged for military service, creating a hierarchical structure based on allegiance and duty.

In this feudal system, kings granted land to nobles in exchange for loyalty, while peasants worked the land and provided food for the nobles in return for protection. This arrangement became crucial for survival during a time marked by frequent invasions and battles, particularly from groups such as the Vikings and later the Magyars. Thus, the social and political vacuum created by the Roman Empire's collapse directly facilitated the rise of feudalism as a means of organizing society and ensuring mutual protection and stability.