Where, why and how did feudalism start?

Feudalism, a complex system of social, economic, and military relationships, emerged and developed in medieval Europe, particularly in the following contexts and ways:

Where

Feudalism primarily developed in Western Europe, especially in the territories of the former Carolingian Empire, which included modern-day France, Germany, and parts of Italy. The system also spread to other regions, including the British Isles, following the Norman Conquest in 1066235.

Why

Feudalism arose as a response to several critical needs and challenges:

• Protection and Security: With the decline of the Roman Empire and the subsequent invasions by various tribes and raiders, there was a significant need for local protection and security. Frankish kings, in particular, needed warriors to defend their territories against these threats4.
• Decentralization: The collapse of centralized authority in the Carolingian Empire led to a decentralization of power, where local lords and nobles took on more responsibility for governing and defending their lands35.
• Economic Necessity: In the absence of a robust monetary system, kings and nobles could not afford to pay for standing armies. Instead, they offered land (fiefs) in exchange for military service, a system that was more feasible given the economic conditions of the time4.

How

The feudal system was established through a series of reciprocal relationships and obligations:

• Land Grants (Fiefs): Kings and higher nobles granted land (fiefs) to lower nobles (vassals) in exchange for military service, loyalty, and other forms of support. This was formalized through ceremonies such as the commendation ceremony, which included acts of homage and oaths of fealty3.
• Reciprocal Obligations: Vassals pledged to provide military service, counsel, and other forms of support to their lords. In return, lords offered protection, justice, and the right to hold the land (fief)135.
• Manorial System: The feudal system also included the manorial system, where serfs (unfree laborers) worked the land owned by lords and vassals. Serfs provided labor and goods in exchange for protection and the right to work the land124.

In summary, feudalism emerged in Western Europe as a response to the need for protection, the decentralization of power, and economic necessity. It was characterized by a hierarchical system of landholding and reciprocal obligations between lords, vassals, and serfs.