<span>The reasons for the development of feudalism vary between nations that employed the system, most notably, the Roman and Germanic cultures. Feudalism developed with the Romans as a method of land tenure. In this practice, a land grant was given by the land-holder to an individual in exchange for services rendered. Often, these contracts were for life.
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Feudalism spread through Europe during the ninth century and lasted for several centuries in some nations. In France, feudalism began as wealthy landowners built castles for protection. As kings weren't powerful enough to reclaim their land, nobles began to claim authority over land in their jurisdiction.
In England, feudalism wasn't part of Anglo-Saxon society. However, large landowners had extensive powers in terms of managing their land. When William the Conqueror introduced feudalism in the 11th century, he maintained authority over all landowners.
In Germany, feudalism lasted for many centuries. This was due to the weakening of royal power due to issues like the German throne being a position for which rulers had to be elected. Issues such as this kept the nobles powerful, despite the attempts of some rulers to limit them.
Answer:
Social – The social conditions in France in the late 18th century were remarkably unequal and exploitative. The clergy and the nobility formed the first two Estates and were the most privileged classes in French society. They were excluded from the payment of taxes to the State. On the other hand, the Third Estate that consisted of peasants and workers formed the majority of the population. They were charged with excessive taxes with no political and social rights. As a result, they were extremely discontent.
Economic – As a result of numerous wars waged by Louis XVI the State coffers were empty. The situation was made even more complex by France’s involvement in the American War of Independence and the faulty system of taxation. While the privileged classes were excused from paying taxes the Third Estate was more and more burdened with them.
Political – The Bourbon king of France, Louis XVI was an extremely autocratic and weak-willed king who led a life of obscene luxury. This led to a lot of disenchantment among the masses who then were leading life of extreme poverty and widespread hunger.
Intellectual – The 18th century was marked by a conscious refusal by French thinkers of the ‘Divine Rights Theory’. Philosophers like Rousseau rejected the paradigm of absolute monarchy and promulgated the doctrine of equality of man and sovereignty of people. They played a pivotal role in exposing the fault lines of the old political system, i.e. the ancien regime, and articulating the popular discontent.
One group can be African Americans. Racist states found ways to prevent them from voting by imposing things like laws that force you to take a literacy test or similar. They also forbade them from working like regular workers by introducing the cropsharing system.
Another can be women. Women had been fighting for their political rights since before the war began. After it ended, they were still not given voting rights which lasted up until 1920s. Many women objected how African-Americans could be given voting rights and women
Third group can be Native Americans. After the war ended, the country could then start spreading westwards which had to be halted due to the war. More states began being added and this meant that Natives would have to move to reservations and their rights and land were being taken from them.
