History The Hundred Years War Questions
The Hundred Years War had a significant impact on the feudal system.
Firstly, the war led to a decline in the power and influence of the feudal nobility. The long and costly conflict required the monarchs to raise large armies, which led to the centralization of power in the hands of the kings. They relied less on feudal lords for military support and instead established professional armies. This shift weakened the feudal lords' control over their territories and diminished their importance in the political landscape.
Secondly, the war accelerated the decline of the feudal knight as the dominant military force. The introduction of new military technologies, such as the longbow and gunpowder, favored the use of infantry and archers over heavily armored knights. This change in warfare undermined the traditional feudal system, which heavily relied on knights and their feudal obligations.
Furthermore, the war also had economic consequences for the feudal system. The prolonged conflict drained the resources of both England and France, leading to economic hardships. Many feudal lords faced financial difficulties and struggled to maintain their estates. This economic strain weakened the feudal system's ability to sustain itself and contributed to its eventual decline.
Overall, the Hundred Years War played a crucial role in transforming the feudal system. It weakened the power of feudal lords, accelerated the decline of the feudal knight, and caused economic hardships that undermined the feudal structure.