Feudalism

Paper Summary:

The paper analyzes the reign of Charlemagne, and shows how his enhancements to the existing Merovingian system of government laid down the foundations for feudalism. The paper explains the feudal relationship and its terms: fiefs, fealty, vassals, serfs etc. The paper also analyzes the position of the Church within the feudal system, and details how the system changed in the 11th centuries, and how a similar system spread to other areas like Byzantium, and the Near and Far East. The paper shows how scrutage led to the decline of feudalism. In conclusion, though, the writer asserts that modern democracy still contains a hidden feudalism within, and that it will continue to do so until the masses uncover the ruling elite within.

From the Paper:

"Of major interest, Charlemagne allowed the conquered people to continue with their customs and laws and he had their custom and laws written so that the counts and dukes would be well aware of them. Charlemagne sent scholars to interview shamans and tribal leaders that understood their laws and recorded their answers. The laws being published were to be enforced by the counts and dukes governing the lands. This was an interesting move on Charlemagne's part that upholds one side of his character as being a fair-handed ruler and this decision facilitated the transfer of power."

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