Eastern Europe
Western Europe
Important
People/Groups
Important
Facts about
the
Development of Feudalism
Important
Dates
Important
Places
Social
Structure
Political
Structure
Economic
Structure
Eastern Europe
- Important People/Groups: Vlad the Impaler (Wallachia), Grand Prince Vladimir of Kiev (Kievan Rus), Stephen I of Hungary
- Important Facts about the Development of Feudalism: Feudalism developed in Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages as a way to provide political and economic stability. It was heavily influenced by the Byzantine Empire and the spreading of Christianity.
- Important Dates: The development of feudalism in Eastern Europe took place from the 10th century onwards.
- Important Places: Kievan Rus (modern-day Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus), Wallachia (modern-day Romania), Hungary
- Social Structure: Feudalism in Eastern Europe was characterized by a hierarchical social structure. At the top were rulers, such as kings or princes, who owned large estates. Below them were the nobility, who served as their vassals and controlled smaller territories. The majority of the population were peasants, who worked on the land and were bound to it.
- Political Structure: Feudalism in Eastern Europe was characterized by a decentralized political structure. Rulers held significant power over their territories, and feudal relationships between rulers and vassals played a crucial role in maintaining political order.
- Economic Structure: Feudalism in Eastern Europe was based on an agricultural economy. The majority of economic activity centered around feudal estates, where peasants worked the land and provided goods and services to the ruling class in exchange for protection and land to cultivate. The economy was largely self-sufficient, with limited trade and commerce.