Feudal System Middle Ages

KONOLA: Feudalism and how it relates to today

The common elements in feudal society were lords, vassals, and peasants. Vassals and peasants were coerced into being loyal to the lord in exchange for a piece of the action. The lord decided which vassal or peasant got which crumbs. Usually vassals were awarded land in exchange for military service and a pledge of loyalty. Peasants got to live indoors and eat somewhat regularly, but conditions weren't conducive to healthy lifestyles, and peasants were kept in the dark about everything. Slaves don't need books. Since the church didn't award land to vassals, the reward for loyalty was information. All knowledge was in the hands of the church, where books were copied by monks, and supplied only to the lords. Clearly, in a feudalistic society, only the wealthy (lords and vassals and Popes) enjoyed privilege. The masses were kept ignorant and abused in countless ways. Although strong monarchies signaled the beginning of the end of feudalism, even they were based on these mutually “beneficial” relationships: The vassal would be cannon fodder for the lord and peasants were slaves to the land. In theory we permanently threw off any remaining constraints of feudal society when we declared our independence from England about 235 years ago. Yet Americans seem more than willing to subject themselves to the princes of industry in a relationship that is reminiscent of feudalism. Loyalty = Privilege. Feudalism was followed by the Age of Enlightenment in the 18th century, and was accompanied by a new class of citizen — the merchant. Enlightenment was defined by questioning traditional institutions, and a belief in logic, reason, and scientific evidence. As wealth was gained by the new class of traders, the privileges of the upper crust began to flow to a new middle-class. Capitalism and upward mobility was born.

Knightly Clothing in the Middle Ages | consumerchoicevoice.info

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During the Middle Ages, clothing strictly dictated the social status of a person. Called the sumptuary laws, the edict on dress code and other expenses that medieval society had limited such according to class; only royalty were allowed to own and wear the richest, most luxurious items, while the poorest of the poor were the most modestly dressed of all classes. Buying clothing in medieval times was limited according to wealth and social rank.

With such declaration, the social structure was thus maintained. Everyone knew their place and just from one look at a person’s cloths,medival society knew what he or she does for a living or else, his or her status in society. Just as peasants, merchants, nobility, and royalty can be known through their clothes, knights had their distinctive attire that lets others know what they are at a glance.

The Proverbial Shining Armor

The knights were an outcome of the feudal system that existed in the Middle Ages. They would go to war for their lords, to acquire lands or else valuable spoils from their belligerent exploits. In order to successfully fulfill this role, knights often wore protection when going fighting. Protection often consisted of a suit of metal armor that covered them from head to toe. The finer the suit of armor was, the more important the knight was in society.

The head was usually covered by a helmet, with or without a hinged visor that protected the eyes. Breastplates and back armor protected the vital organs of the chest, back abdomen, while greaves protected the calves and shins. There were plates of armor that covered the kneecap, thigh, and feet. As well, the arms, hands and even the vulnerable armpits were covered with plates of armor.

In earlier times, chainmail was used as protection. The mail consisted of fine metal rings that covered the trunk, arms, legs, and up to the neck and head. Sometimes, chainmail was used beneath the suit of armor.

Feudal society

Bloch dared to do this and was successful; therein lies the enduring achievement of Feudal Society."-Charles Garside, Yale Review

Feudal society

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