Why did the growth of trade and industry weaken feudalism?
The growth of trade and industry weakened feudalism due to several reasons:
1. Rise of a merchant class: With the expansion of trade, a new class of wealthy merchants and traders emerged. This class did not fit into the traditional feudal hierarchy, which was based on landownership and agrarian society. These merchants accumulated wealth through trade and invested in industries, challenging the power and influence of feudal lords.
2. Economic changes: Trade and industry brought economic prosperity as goods and services started to be produced on a larger scale. This led to a shift from a subsistence economy to a market economy, encouraging the growth of towns and cities. The economic power of the towns and cities challenged the authority of feudal lords, as these urban centers became more autonomous and played a vital role in economic development.
3. Increased mobility: Trade and industry fostered the exchange of goods and ideas over long distances. This led to increased mobility of people, as merchants, traders, and artisans traveled between towns and across regions. As people started to move freely, they were not bound to the feudal ties of serfdom and could seek economic opportunities elsewhere, leading to a decline in the feudal system.
4. Money-based economy: As trade expanded, a money-based economy became more prevalent. Feudalism relied on a system of land ownership, where wealth and power were determined by the control of land. However, in a money-based economy, wealth and power could be acquired through trade and commerce, challenging the feudal structure based on landownership.
5. Technological advancements: The growth of trade and industry also brought technological advancements, such as improved transportation and communication systems. This facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas, making the feudal system less resilient and adaptable to the changing economic landscape.
Overall, the growth of trade and industry weakened feudalism by creating a new class of wealthy merchants, shifting economies to market-based systems, increasing mobility, establishing money-based economies, and introducing technological advancements. These factors challenged the feudal social and economic structure, leading to its gradual decline.