1. The fragmentation of Europe
Europe was divided into many small, independent states, each with its own laws and customs. This made it difficult for merchants and traders to travel and trade, and it also limited the scope of the market for goods.
2. The power of the Church
The Church was a powerful force in medieval Europe, and it often discouraged economic activity. For example, the Church forbade usury (the lending of money at interest), which made it difficult for businesses to get the capital they needed to grow.
3. The lack of technology
The technology available to medieval Europeans was limited, which made it difficult for them to increase their productivity. For example, they did not have the machinery or the power sources that would later be used to drive the Industrial Revolution.
4. The social structure of feudalism
Feudalism was a system of social organization in which most people were peasants who were tied to the land. This meant that they did not have the freedom to move or choose their own occupations, which limited their ability to contribute to the economy.
As a result of these factors, European society during feudalism was characterized by a slow rate of economic growth and a low level of productive forces.