Feudalism and the Renaissance 

The Idea of Feudalism during medieval Europe

The center of feudalism was a sense of control, making ownership a central principle in this ideology. The ideology of feudalism is diffused across medieval Europe via hierarchical diffusion. The ‘hierarchy’ of medieval European society started with the domineering plots of European land owned by Vassals. The Manor would be sold to a feudal lord, and the property would transfer to their possession. Owning said property would include servants, also titled serfs, who forfeit almost all sense of freedom to the lord. The only control the serfs had obtained was the knowledge they had secured protection and food.

Feudalism leading to the rise of nations

\ Control was insufficient in small doses, and there were too many microcultures for medieval society to develop effectively. Microcultures create a sense of place but also increase the likelihood of conflict. The main contributors to the divided nature of medieval Europe were its linguistic, religious, and economic differences in each sphere. To the lords' contempt, the serfs slowly gained financial freedom via trade. The Black Death did not discriminate against who its next victim was, and the crusades resulted in Italian entrepreneurs and financial freedom from feudalism. Thus killing off feudalism and slowly unifying nations.

How the Renaissance contrasted Feudalism

 The critical difference between Feudalism and the Renaissance was challenging the idea of a predetermined hierarchy with financial success. A renaissance is just the revitalization of ideas, but the Renaissance period redefined success. Previously success was predetermined based on what rung of society you were born. If you were a vassal or lord, you had more influence and control, thus obtaining success. The renaissance discouraged the closed spheres of existence manors provided and introduced city living. Moreover, financial liberty became the defining characteristic of success, contradicting the “natural” order.