Warfare and new European Feudal structure between 1100-1300 AD

Introduction2

Discussion2

Feudalism2

Feudal Structure 1100-13003

Warfare and Feudalism5

Causes of War6

War Tactics7

Conclusion8

Warfare and new European Feudal structure between 1100-1300 AD

Introduction

Politically, warfare and feudalism have deep relation, so as in European political structure. Between 12th and 14th century, there happened many wars in Europe; this trend actively participated in the revival of political structure there. Normally a political structure matures and strengthens its roots with the passage of time. However, certain events make this process more expeditious and on the other hand others debilitate it. Fred A. Cazel rightly be stated that Feudalism did not cause warfare; warfare caused feudalism. The dedicated warriors, who were in bounded to take good care of the political and economic interests of their lords, were actively involved in wars; thus were making it easy for them (Kings) to have their control over vast territories and were smoothing the ground for feudalism to flourish. True, the statement above gives the reflection of political scenario during the high medieval age, and it would not be wrong to state that the war was the principal contributing element for the emergence of feudal structure.

Discussion

Feudalism

In Feudalism, everyone is liable to act upon or follow the orders of his competent authority and the highest authority was King. During the high middle Ages i.e. from 1100-1300 AD, the preconditioned relationship between nobility - Kings and their subordinates, is called feudalism. Fiefs- heritable rights or property, were granted to Vassals - subordinates of Kings, in return for their political and military service for the Kings. William the conqueror, established feudal system at the time of the defeat of English Anglo Saxons at the battle of Hastings in 1066 AD. This political structure established because there was a dire need for the exchange of needs i.e. between Kings and Vassals (Kings' subordinate), since then government was unable to fulfill this criteria i.e. providing satisfactory service to defend subjects of Vassals. The Contract between the King and subordinates was based on social organization, which later came to be known as feudalism. Vassalage system was an outcome of this, where it was stringent of warriors to protect the interests of their Lords, and in return, the King took care of their needs. Moreover, it was also mandatory upon Vassals, other than their main duty, to have involvement in financial payments, giving suggestion/advice to the King and to be present in judgment. Those sitting on higher designations including Kings, Vassals, and Knights had the hunger of power; they wanted to maintain their hegemony via hook or crook. This hunger compelled the emergence of a new political system i.e. Feudalism.

Feudal Structure 1100-1300

Feudalism gained ground in Europe in 10th century, and in the next five centuries, vast properties, lands accumulated in a few hands. The essence of feudalism lies in the power of a few, and hence, these few cannot belong to any lower strata but the upper one i.e. the King. The political structure of feudalism is highly centralized and ...