How and why were marriages arranged in the Middle Ages?

Answer 1

Marriage contracts were designed to strengthen ties between ruling families, increasing the strength of dynasties. In theory, for example, if the Queen of England was the sister of the King of France, then there was a reduced likelihood of England and France going to war against each other, and an increased likelihood that the countries would aid each other. It seldom worked.

Answer 2

Not all marriages were arranged. A large number were, however, and these fell into two groups.

Among royalty, a marriage had implications that would effect diplomatic relationships between countries, and even the conduct of wars. Clearly, people in such a position could not just marry someone they found attractive. The implications of the marriage had to be considered, and more to the point, negotiated.

Among people who were not members of royalty, there was still the idea that a marriage could enhance the position of the family. Great houses of nobility wanted to have good relations with each other, as did great trading families. So the marriages were planned for the purpose of building the importance of families in much the same way royal families planned marriages. This was true for lesser families in many places as well, but not all.

Among the poor, there was very little reason to arrange marriages, and so arranged marriages only happened among poor people if cultural conditions and custom demanded it.

Answer 3

because they like it ya fo sure