Why did the manor system(also known as feudalism) developed in western Europe after the fall of roman empire

Answer 1

The manor system, also known as feudalism, developed in Western Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire for several reasons:

1. Protection and Security: The collapse of the centralized Roman government led to a power vacuum, leaving territories vulnerable to attacks from various invaders such as Vandals, Visigoths, and Vikings. Feudalism provided a system of defense and protection, as local lords offered land and shelter to peasants in exchange for their loyalty and military service.

2. Collapse of Trade and Commerce: With the fall of the Roman Empire, long-distance trade and commerce declined significantly. Feudalism emerged as a self-sufficient economic system, where agricultural production and subsistence farming took precedence. The manor, which was an agricultural estate, became the primary economic unit.

3. Fragmentation of Political Power: The fall of the Roman Empire resulted in the fragmentation of political power, with no strong central authority. Feudalism provided a system of governance that was decentralized, with local lords and nobles holding power and controlling their territories. This decentralized power structure helped maintain social order and stability.

4. Feudal Obligations: Feudalism was based on a set of reciprocal obligations and relationships between lords and their vassals, with land being the main source of wealth and power. Lords provided protection, land, and resources to their vassals, who in turn offered military service, labor, and various other services to their lords.

5. Inheritance and Succession: Feudalism also provided a system for land inheritance and succession. Lords divided their land among their vassals, who then passed it down to their heirs. This ensured continuity and stability within the feudal system.

Overall, the manor system or feudalism developed in Western Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire as a response to the need for protection, economic self-sufficiency, and the decentralization of political power.