What are the similarities and differences between feudalism in Eastern and Western Europe?

Question

2. Use the next slide to record your source information for MLA citations later.
Author &/or editor (last name first):
“Title of article” (in quotation marks):
Title of website (in italics):
Publisher Name:
Date of resource creation:
URL:
Date of access:

Research Notes: Eastern Europe
Important people/groups
Important Facts about the Development of Feudalism:
Important dates
Important places
Social structure
Political structure
Economic structure

Research Notes: Western Europe
Important people/groups
Important Facts about the Development of Feudalism:
Important dates
Important places
Social structure
Political structure
Economic structure

Discuss two similarities and two differences between feudalism in Eastern and Western Europe.

In a 3-5 sentence paragraph, do you feel the Eastern and Western European feudal systems were more similar or more different? Why do you think so? Support your opinion with facts

Answer 1

Similarities and Differences Between Feudalism in Eastern and Western Europe

Similarities:

1. Hierarchical System: Both Eastern and Western Europe had a feudal structure characterized by a hierarchy where land was the primary currency. In both regions, the king or monarch was at the top, followed by nobles, knights, and serfs.
2. Land for Service: In both systems, there was a mutual agreement for protection and service. Lords provided land (fiefs) to vassals in exchange for military service and loyalty.

Differences:

1. Land Ownership and Serfdom: In Western Europe, the feudal system was largely decentralized, with many lords controlling small territories and vassals. Eastern Europe had a more centralized system with large estates owned by a few powerful nobles, and serfdom was often more oppressive, with serfs tied to the land more rigidly.
2. Political Structure: The political structure in Western Europe was characterized by the emergence of monarchies and a gradual development of centralized power, particularly after the 11th century, leading to the rise of nation-states. In contrast, Eastern Europe, particularly in places like Russia, saw the centralization of power much later and often retained more feudal characteristics.

Research Notes: Eastern Europe

• Important people/groups: The Boyars (nobility), peasantry (serfs), and rulers like Ivan the Terrible.
• Important Facts about the Development of Feudalism: Feudalism was influenced by invasions (e.g., Mongols) and the Orthodox Church.
• Important dates: The establishment of Moscow as a principal power in the late 15th century; the reign of Ivan III (Ivan the Great, 1462-1505).
• Important places: Kievan Rus', Moscow, and the non-centralized lands of modern-day Ukraine and Poland.
• Social structure: Rigid class system with a clear divide between nobles, clergy, and serfs.
• Political structure: Stronger emphasis on centralized power after the disintegration of Mongol control in the late 15th century.
• Economic structure: Predominantly agrarian economy with serfdom deeply entrenched.

Research Notes: Western Europe

• Important people/groups: The monarchs (like Charlemagne), nobles, knights, and the Church.
• Important Facts about the Development of Feudalism: Influenced by invasions (Vikings, Magyars) and the decentralized control of lands after the fall of the Roman Empire.
• Important dates: The signing of the Magna Carta (1215) which imposed limits on royal authority.
• Important places: France, England, and the Holy Roman Empire.
• Social structure: More fluid social mobility through military service and land grants.
• Political structure: Gradual development towards centralized monarchies and the establishment of parliaments.
• Economic structure: Manorial system with economically self-sufficient manors featuring serfs tied to land.

Conclusion Paragraph

I believe that the feudal systems in Eastern and Western Europe were more different than similar due to their varying social, political, and economic structures. While both systems exhibited hierarchical organization and land-based reciprocity, Eastern Europe's feudalism was marked by more rigid serfdom and a late centralization of power. In contrast, Western Europe's structure allowed for a gradual transition towards centralized monarchies and more fluid social mobility, as evidenced by events like the Magna Carta. These differences significantly influenced their respective historical trajectories and societal development.

Answer 2

Add MLA citations of where you got your info!!

Answer 3

Sure! Here are some example MLA citations for sources that provide information about feudalism in Eastern and Western Europe. Please note that specific articles and details may vary, so you may need to look up similar sources to match your research needs.

MLA Citations

Eastern Europe:

Author &/or editor (last name first): Housley, Norman
“Feudalism in Eastern Europe.”
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., 2019.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/feudalism/Eastern-Europe
Date of access: 2 November 2023.

Western Europe:

Author &/or editor (last name first): Moore, R. I.
“Feudal Society in Western Europe.”
Oxford Handbook of Medieval Literature in English,
Oxford University Press, 2010.
https://www.oxfordhandbooks.com/view/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199561861.001.0001/oxfordhb-9780199561861-e-6
Date of access: 2 November 2023.

Note:

Make sure to replace the citation entries with the actual sources you consult! The above examples are fabricated for the illustration of format and may not represent real articles. Always reference the original materials that informed your research when creating your citations.