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The Middle Ages, spanning roughly from the 9th to the 15th centuries, were marked by the feudal system, a hierarchical structure of society based on land ownership and loyalty. This system emerged as a response to the need for order after the collapse of the Roman Empire, evolving over centuries into a rigid social hierarchy​​.

Structure of the Feudal System
King: At the top of the feudal hierarchy was the king, who theoretically owned all the land in the kingdom. The king distributed large portions of land to his most trusted nobles or barons in exchange for their military support and loyalty​.
Nobles/Barons: These barons, in turn, granted portions of their land to vassals or knights. The barons benefited by receiving income from their lands, while their duty was to provide military support to the king​​.
Knights/Vassals: Knights were given land by barons and in return, they provided military service. They could further distribute their land to lower vassals, creating a complex web of allegiances.
Peasants: At the bottom of the pyramid were the peasants or serfs, who worked the land. They were bound to the land and provided agricultural produce and labor to their lords in exchange for protection and the right to live on the land​.
Feudal Contracts
The relationships within the feudal system were formalized through contracts known as feudal oaths. These agreements specified the duties and rights of each party, solidifying the mutual obligations that held the feudal system together​​.

Medieval France and the Hundred Years’ War
During the late Middle Ages, France was a patchwork of territories controlled by various lords who owed allegiance to the king. The king’s direct control was limited, with much of the land managed by these semi-independent nobles.

The Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) between France and England was a significant conflict during this period. While initially successful, the English eventually lost most of their territories in France. Despite these losses, the war had weakened the central authority of the French king, although figures like Joan of Arc played crucial roles in bolstering the monarchy and inspiring the French people​.

Transition to Democracy
The feudal system began to decline in the late Middle Ages, partly due to the rise of powerful monarchies and the centralization of state power. The French Revolution in the late 18th century ultimately led to the fall of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic, marking the end of feudalism in France​.

This overview provides a glimpse into the complex and layered nature of the feudal system and the historical context of medieval France. For a more detailed understanding, exploring additional resources on medieval social structures and historical events is recommended. Anyway, bye everyone and see you later!