What is the feudal system?

Answer 1

The feudal system was the primary government system used in Medieval Europe. It existed as somewhat of a branch-like chain of command, where those who are considered part of the system are in control of those directly below them, but serve their liege lord directly above them.

At the top of the chain was a king, or someone with a similar title. Below him were what are considered his "vassals". The king granted large amounts of land (feuds) to his vassals in exchange for their services. These services would include paying taxes, supporting him politically, and providing levies for his army. (Levies were certain amounts of soldiers a vassal had promised to his king in times of war).

On a smaller scale, a lesser-lord such as a Baron or Count would also create a small-scale feudal system within his own land. He would provide a small piece of land for farming and such to each of his knights, in return for their allegiance to him in wartime.

Answer 2

The feudalism system is a social class system than involved an individual's relationship to the land. The highest was the land lord and the lowest being a serf.