Examples of Feudalism:
Medieval Europe (5th - 15th centuries):
* The "Classical" Model: Kings granted land (fiefs) to nobles in exchange for military service and loyalty. These nobles, in turn, granted land to knights, who provided further military service. Peasants, bound to the land, worked for the nobles and knights, providing them with food and other necessities.
* Specific Examples:
* The Carolingian Empire under Charlemagne.
* The Norman Conquest of England and the resulting feudal system.
* The Holy Roman Empire, though with varying degrees of feudalism across its regions.
* Characteristics:
* Hierarchical Structure: King, nobles, knights, peasants.
* Land Tenure: Land granted in exchange for service.
* Military Obligations: Service in the king's army.
* Social Obligations: Protection of the land and its people.
Other Feudal Systems:
* Japan (1185 - 1868): Similar hierarchical structure with Shoguns, Daimyo, Samurai, and Peasants.
* Medieval Japan: Shogun granted land to Daimyo who, in turn, provided samurai with land for their military service.
* Ancient Egypt (Old Kingdom): Pharaohs controlled land and granted it to officials in exchange for loyalty and service.
* Ancient Mesopotamia (Sumerian Civilization): Kings granted land to priests and officials, who, in turn, controlled labor and resources.
Non-examples of Feudalism:
* Ancient Roman Empire: While there was a hierarchical structure, the Roman system was based on citizenship and law, not land ownership.
* Modern Capitalism: Land ownership is not the primary source of power and wealth.
* Communist Societies: The state controls the means of production, and there is no private land ownership.
* Early Tribal Societies: Social structures are based on kinship and lineage rather than land ownership.
It's crucial to remember: Feudalism is a complex system with many variations. It is not a monolithic structure, and identifying it can be tricky. Some societies may have elements of feudalism without being fully feudal.
Key Point: The defining characteristic of feudalism is the exchange of land for service, creating a hierarchical social structure where power is intertwined with land ownership.