What is Feudalism?

In the 1960s, debates arose about whether it was possible to describe every society as feudal. These discussions, closely linked to debates about the Ottoman production and state structure, gained prominence with the rise of leftist ideologies. Classical Ottomanists argued that the Ottoman Empire was not feudal and introduced a Weberian concept called particularism. This notion emphasized the uniqueness of each example, asserting that no one resembled another and that each entity was distinct.

The Collapse of Central Authority

The collapse of the Roman Empire due to Asian raiders led to a lack of central authority, giving rise to an atomized society and a feudal order. In this feudal society, there was no central political authority, and territories, when considered on a state scale, shrank into a multitude of feudal lords’ domains. This era is known as the Middle Ages. A crucial characteristic was the absence of a political centre, with each feudal lord governing his small state independently, without any higher authority or political power to which they were accountable.

Basic Features: Feudal Structure and the Role of Serfs

In the feudal system, individuals engaged in hunting and gathering in the past. When they began to intervene with the land, surplus production emerged, leading to disputes and wars over the ownership of this surplus. The feudal lord, as the owner of the land, and the serf, who worked the land, represented the medieval peasant. The feudal lord collected the surplus produced by the serf. Due to the vastness of the lands, feudal lords divided and distributed their lands to smaller feudal lords (vassals). Additionally, knights existed as auxiliary groups during this period. The clergy, an indispensable class, also played a vital role, especially because people identified themselves with their religious affiliations.

Cities

Cities were primarily located in port areas, synonymous with trade. Over time, cities gradually emerged in the inland areas of Europe, influenced by geography and agricultural climate. The determining force here was the merchant class and trade. Cities were walled, protecting the merchant’s residence and the storage place for goods. Entry into cities required permission, and security within these walls was maintained by the “bourg” or “burg,” also known as ramparts, such as Hamburg, Strasburg.

As trade developed, the importance of these cities increased. Merchants improved their capital, enhancing the significance of cities. These merchants were called bourgeois or burghers. Essentially, a bourgeois refers to someone living in the city, both noble and a trader.

Aristocracy = Land Noble

The development of trade faced obstacles created by feudalism. The absence of authority meant there were no regulations governing society, economy, and politics. Feudal lords seized the surplus produced by serfs, and the feudal lord decided on the annual incomes, often exhibiting cruelty. Trade also faced tax issues; a merchant had to pay varying taxes to different feudal lords. Feudal lords could prevent certain sellers from entering the market. In essence, feudalism was lawlessness, an arbitrary form of governance. The people didn’t know how much tax they would pay, but for a trader, it was crucial to foresee the future. Feudalism, with its lack of rules and arbitrariness, was a significant obstacle to capital accumulation. Another obstacle was the church, as per Althusser:

“Catholic doctrine states that chasing after money, pursuing the pleasures of this world is wrong. How did Jesus come? He was a shepherd; he came with his cloak. Being like him is beautiful. Do not rebel against the existing order; only God decides who will be poor and who will be rich…”

Throughout the Middle Ages, there existed a kind of parliament, but it was not the type we understand today; it was more of an advisory council consisting of nobles and prominent figures.

Definition of Parliament in Feudalism

Parliament in the context of feudalism was not identical to the modern legislative bodies we are familiar with today. Instead, it represented a gathering of individuals who held significant societal roles, including nobles, clergy, and sometimes commoners. The term “parliament” itself originates from the Old French word ‘parlement,’ meaning a discussion or negotiation.

Composition and Structure

Feudal parliaments were not uniform across Europe, and their composition varied from region to region. Generally, they consisted of three main estates: the clergy, the nobility, and, in some cases, representatives of the common people. This tripartite structure reflected the hierarchical nature of feudal society.

1. The Clergy: The ecclesiastical estate, comprised of bishops and other high-ranking church officials, played a crucial role in medieval parliaments. Their inclusion was rooted in the close relationship between the Church and the ruling class, with religious authorities often wielding significant influence over political matters.

2. The Nobility: Nobles, including lords, barons, and other land-owning elites, constituted the second estate. They brought military prowess and territorial control to the parliament, reflecting the militaristic and land-centric nature of feudalism.

3. The Commoners: In some instances, especially during later periods, representatives of the common people were invited to participate in parliamentary proceedings. These representatives, though limited in number and influence, marked a nascent shift towards more inclusive governance.

Functioning of Parliament

Parliaments in feudal times served various functions, often depending on the specific needs of the ruling authority and the prevailing circumstances. Some key roles included:

1. Advisory Body: Parliament acted as an advisory body to the monarch or ruling authority. It provided a forum for nobles and clergy to express their opinions on matters of governance, war, and taxation.

2. Legislation: While legislative functions were not as developed as in modern times, parliaments did contribute to the creation and modification of laws. Decisions made in these assemblies were crucial in shaping local regulations and customs.

3. Taxation and Financial Matters: The consent of parliament was often sought for taxation, a critical aspect of sustaining feudal structures. Nobles, who controlled vast territories, were instrumental in approving or rejecting financial proposals.

4. Conflict Resolution: Disputes and conflicts among the ruling class were addressed within the parliamentary setting. This facilitated a degree of stability and prevented internal strife from escalating.

In conclusion, the parliamentary system within the context of medieval feudalism was a multifaceted institution, reflecting the complex societal structures of the time. While not mirroring contemporary democratic ideals, these assemblies laid the groundwork for the evolution of representative governance. Understanding the functions and dynamics of medieval parliaments is crucial for grasping the historical development of political systems and institutions that have shaped the modern world.