1) Land Tenure: Feudalism was based on a hierarchical land tenure system. The king or queen owned most of the land and distributed it to their vassals, who in turn distributed it to their own vassals, and so on. In exchange for this land, the vassals owed certain obligations to their lords, such as military service, financial payments, and attendance at court.
2) Social Hierarchy: Feudal society was divided into three main classes: the nobility, the clergy, and the peasantry. The nobility was the ruling class and consisted of kings, queens, dukes, counts, barons, and knights. The clergy was responsible for religious matters and included bishops, priests, and monks. The peasantry was the largest class and consisted of serfs, who were tied to the land and worked for the lord in exchange for protection.
3) Military Service: One of the main obligations of vassals was to provide military service to their lords. This service was typically in the form of knights who would fight on behalf of their lord in times of war. The knights would be supported by foot soldiers and other military personnel.
4) Economic System: The economic system of feudalism was based on agriculture. The vast majority of the population lived in rural areas and worked on the land. The main crops grown were wheat, barley, rye, and oats. Livestock, such as cattle, pigs, and sheep, were also raised for food. Trade and commerce were limited and mostly centered around local markets.
5) Political System: Feudalism led to the development of a decentralized political system. The king or queen was the head of state, but their power was limited by the power of the feudal lords. The lords had a great deal of autonomy in their own territories and could make their own laws, collect taxes, and administer justice.
6) Cultural Impact: Feudalism had a significant impact on European culture. The chivalric code of conduct, which emphasized loyalty, bravery, and honor, developed during this time. The feudal system also gave rise to the concept of the 'nation-state', as well as the development of legal and administrative systems.
7) Decline of Feudalism: Feudalism began to decline in the late Middle Ages due to a number of factors, including the rise of merchant towns and the growth of a money economy. The centralized nation-state also began to emerge, which weakened the power of the feudal lords. By the end of the 15th century, feudalism had largely disappeared from Western Europe.