What factors led to the breakdown of feudalism and the growth of towns?

Answer 1

There were a number of reasons for the gradual decline of feudalism. Among them were the fact that Europe began to experience a period of stability. This upset the feudal hierarchy: there was no longer a need for a large number of knights to protect their lord, and gradually, the control the lord had over these men weakened.

Another factor that contributed to the decline of feudalism was the Bubonic Plague-- the Black Death, which killed so many people during the mid to late 1300s that workers were in short supply, and the nobles no longer had enough serfs to rely on. In fact, some laborers were able to hire themselves out and negotiate a salary, rather than being in a position where the noble forced them to work.

Further, there was an expansion of exploration and trade in the world, leading to the rise of a merchant class. More merchants meant more goods to be sold, and cities and towns were established, as centers of commerce. Trade, especially trade with other countries, required the use of money, rather than just bartering out goods on a small, local scale as had been done during the height of feudalism. Even some serfs began to produce goods they could sell, and they were eventually able to buy their own land (and their freedom). Other serfs revolted, demanding better treatment; some left rural areas to move closer to centers of trade and commerce. These changes further eroded the total control the nobles once had, and ultimately led to the end of the feudal system.

Answer 2

Workers enjoy a greater sense of freedom once they were paid in cash, peasants' revolts, and new towns being built. The increase in trade simply made feudalism unnecessary.