The Three Orders: Feudalism
In the Middle Ages, a system called feudalism became important in Europe. The term “feudalism” comes from the German word “feud,” which means land.
Under feudalism, poorer people worked for nobles, who protected them and let them use land in exchange for their labor. The nobles also handled legal matters for the farmers.
So, the nobles not only owned the land but also controlled the lives and fortunes of the peasants, making decisions about their social and economic conditions. Although feudalism existed in the Roman era, it became widely practised in European society during the time of French King Charlemagne (742-814 AD).
The Three Orders Class 11 History Notes
During the 9th to 16th centuries, after the Roman Empire declined, Europe faced challenges like political disunity and conflict. German tribes often fought each other for control of land. To restore peace and organize society, Europeans created the Three Orders system. Over time, adjustments were made to better meet the needs of society.
The book “Feudal Society and the Idea” by Marc Bloch provides further insight into European society during this period. In this article, you will find all the important notes related to the Class 11 Chapter, “The Three Orders”, specially curated by a team of experts at w3wiki.
The Three Orders Class 11 History Notes