There were numerous factors involving the demise of Feudalism in Europe. All the different small problems added to the confusion and replacement of feudalism by The Renaissance. The concentration of power in the hands of a few was always a great disruptive force in the feudal system. The rise of powerful monarchs in France, Spain, and England broke down the local organization. One of the determining factors in the downfall of feudalism was the Hundred Years War. This war was fought because England claimed the king’s succession over France.
The Hundred Years War was very devastating to the two countries. The war was a sign to people that a monarchy wasn’t as great as was expected. Due to France’s weak government and England’s small armies, the war sent on and on, giving the peasants a great reason to loose respect for the monarchy. The peasants and middle class faced a big problem during this time, which were taxes. The war squeezed out taxes due to the overdrawn length of the Hundred Years War. This problem was the beginning of major revolts throughout Europe.
Two more determining factors involved in the breakdown of feudalism were a famine that started around 1315 and the Bubonic Plague. The famine was a period of bad crops. Due to the bad crops, the peasants couldn’t eat which led to further problems such as the weakening of the immune system. Following the famine that hit Europe was the disastrous Bubonic Plague. The plague first occurred in China. Since China was one of the world’s busiest trading nations, it was only a matter of time before the outbreak of plague spread to western Asia and Europe. Once people became infected, others were infected rapidly.
The disease struck and killed people with tremendous speed. In the winter the disease seemed to disappear, but only because fleas – which carry it from person to person -are dormant then. Each spring the plague awakened, killing new victims. After five years, 25 million people were dead – 1/3 of Europe’s population. Medical society never recovered from the results of the plague. The many deaths caused labor shortages all over Europe. This led workers to demand higher wages, which in turn led to more peasant revolts. The empty lands were then repopulated, redistributing the wealth.
Also, a rise in the power of cities occurred as old feudal order survivors rebuilt. The plague also took its toll on the church as well. People throughout Christendom prayed for deliverance. When their prayers were not answered, questions began forming. Why isn’t our God helping us? A new period of political turmoil and philosophical questioning lay ahead. Another contributing factor in the breakdown of feudalism was communication and commerce. Increased communication broke down the isolated manner in which feudalism bestows. Trade and commerce were also becoming a factor.
The agricultural society of before was weakening due to contact with the Islams and the Mongol Empire. The alphabet was picked up and commerce opened up with the Mongols while Europe was still at war. All of these determining factors played their part in the destruction of feudalism. The culture that was slowly beginning to replace feudalism was the Renaissance. The Renaissance portrayed characteristics such as the growth of commerce, capitalism, and human behavior as well as powerful innovations and new ideas. The word Renaissance actually means rebirth, giving an idea that this period in time was unique.
While the spirit of the Renaissance took many forms, it was expressed earliest by the intellectual movement called Humanism. Humanism brought new beliefs such as the ideas that society was made up of individual rights, not just a society as one like before. Also, Humanism stressed the unity and compatibility of the truth found in all philosophical schools and systems. People wanted to find out things for themselves without taking other’s views for granted. Lastly, Humanism looked forward to the rebirth of a lost human spirit and wisdom.
From Italy, where the Renaissance started, Humanist spirit began spreading north to all parts of Europe, aided primarily by the invention of printing. Aside from Humanism, one very important characteristic of this period was the art. Art came to be seen as a branch of knowledge, providing man with the images of God as well as insights into man’s position in the universe. In the hands of some men like Leonardo de Vinci, it was kind of like a science, a means for exploring nature and a record of discoveries. Finally, the growth of the city and commerce was a huge characteristic of the Renaissance.
In Venice, the Renaissance started city-states, which mimicked Greek art forms. These city-states were centers of trade. They were ran by an oligarchy – a set of families. In this oligarchy, social and economic classes were formed. The Grandi, were the Elite, the Popolo Grosso were next in line, followed by the Midelo Burgers or the middle class which were the shop owners, and lastly the Popolo Minuto or the little people. These were the beggars that made up of the city. The downfall of feudalism in Europe was replaced by a much more inviting period in the growth of commerce and better way of life for its people.
Intellectual ideas, behavior, and attitudes substituted the dull (take it for granted) way of life during feudalism. Humanism and art opened a new perspective during this period, giving people dignity of humankind and individualism. Many new discoveries were accomplished as well as trade centers. Cities were formed, governments expanded, and the social and economical classes were formed. The Renaissance was altogether a better period of time for the people of Europe and the country grew stronger as a result.
