How did the institution of feudalism develop? :]?
This was a political system in place in Europe, Japan and China for many centuries. It is useful to reflect on the way this political system works to maintain social order. In many respects it is similar to the chiefdom political organization of the Celts or Africa. It is led by great families with political loyalties and alliances. It is interesting to look at Marvin Harris’ writings about the development of bigmen, chiefs and states in this respect. As well, ponder the similarity between a chiefdom and feudal state. What are some of the primary similarities and differences? Feudalism was a medieval contractual relationship among the upper classes, by which a lord granted land to his men in return for military service. Feudalism was further characterized by the localization of political and economic power in the hands of lords and their vassals and by the exercise of that power from the base of castles, each of which dominated the district in which it was situated. This formed a pyram
