Feudalism The system of feudalism was developed gradually between the eighth and eleventh centuries. It grew up in an age of disorder, when the central government was helpless to protect their people. It’s beginnings can be traced all the way back to the Ancient Roman Empire. In the early feudal stage, when a freeman gave up his title to his land he became the lord’s "man" and promised him his loyalty. For the …showed first 75 words of 896 total…

…showed last 75 words of 896 total…as well as the church, wanted law and order and supported the king. Larger revenues enabled kings to maintain national standing armies. Also, at the beginning of the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) armored knights on horseback yielded to foot soldiers armed with pikes and longbows. Then gunpowder came into general use, making the great stone castles conquerable. In the 14th century, before the Middle Ages ended, national states were taking the place of feudal governments.