Why did the feudal system develop?

Question

Responses

Vikings threatened everyone, but kings had lost power to protect the people, so nobles offered to protect property and local people by offering land in exchange for loyalty and military service.
Vikings threatened everyone, but kings had lost power to protect the people, so nobles offered to protect property and local people by offering land in exchange for loyalty and military service.

Europeans wanted to curb the power of the church, and the feudal system made it clear that nobles would write local laws, organize courts, and collect taxes.

Europeans wanted to curb the power of the church, and the feudal system made it clear that nobles would write local laws, organize courts, and collect taxes.

More and more people in Europe were demanding political rights, and the feudal system spelled out the rights each class of people should have.

More and more people in Europe were demanding political rights, and the feudal system spelled out the rights each class of people should have.

As cities in Europe grew, nobles realized they were losing their importance in society. The feudal system guaranteed that the nobles would remain at the top of the political and social pyramid.

As cities in Europe grew, nobles realized they were losing their importance in society. The feudal system guaranteed that the nobles would remain at the top of the political and social pyramid.

Answer 1

The feudal system developed primarily as a response to instability and insecurity in medieval Europe, particularly due to external threats such as Viking invasions. As kings struggled to maintain control and protect their territories, local nobles offered security and protection to the people in exchange for loyalty and military service. This arrangement involved granting land (or fiefs) to vassals who would then serve the nobles as knights.

While the other responses touch on important aspects of societal and political changes in Europe, the core reason for the emergence of feudalism revolves around the need for local protection and governance during a time of chaos and fragmentation. Thus, the first response accurately captures the fundamental reason for the development of the feudal system.