Why did the feudal system develop?


Europeans wanted to curb the power of the church, and the feudal system made it clear that nobles would write local laws, organize courts, and collect taxes.


More and more people in Europe were demanding political rights, and the feudal system spelled out the rights each class of people should have.


Vikings threatened everyone, but kings had lost power to protect the people, so nobles offered to protect property and local people by offering land in exchange for loyalty and military service.

As cities in Europe grew, nobles realized they were losing their importance in society. The feudal system guaranteed that the nobles would remain at the top of the political and social pyramid.