THE EUROPEAN FEUDALISM
Feudalism: is the mode of production where by the major
means of production is owned by few societies called land lords. Normally the
feudalism in Europe started since 4th Century after the decline of Roman empire
due to German invasion.
BASIC FEATURES OF EUROPEAN FEUDALISM
1.
Existence of antagonistic classes: Those were
land lords, church leaders, tenants/serfs or peasants.
2.
Existence of renting system: Was characterized
by two renting system which were (rent in labor and rent in money).
3.
The European feudalism by the end of 15 century
shifted in to capitalism: Due to the development of productive forces like,
application of tractors, combined harvestors, etc.
4. There was closely relationship between the lords and
tenants.
5.
There was exploitation between man by man: the
land lords exploited the serfs.
6.
Production was for subsistence: That was serf’s
producers mainly for food and less for exchange.
7.
It characterized by emergence of centralized
states.
TRANSITION FROM FEUDALISM TO AGRARIAN REVOLUTION/ CAPITALISM
Transition from the
feudalism to capitalism: was period of shifting from feudal mode of production
system to the capitalist mode of production system. Normally this
transformation was started since the 14th century.
FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE RISE OF CAPITALISM IN EUROPE
QN: Examine six factors for liquidation of feudalism
in Europe.
QN: Critically explain six factors for the decline/
collapse of feudalism in Europe.
QN: Elaborate six factors for the rise of capitalism
in Europe.
Answer
i.
Agrarian/agriculture revolution.
ii. Political revolution.
iii. Scientific
revolution.
iv. Demographic
revolution.
v. Industrial
revolution.
vi. Commercial
revolution.
vii. Bubonic plague/ Black death.
A. AGRARIAN REVOLUTION IN BRITIAN (16-18th CENTURY)
Agrarian revolution: refers to the rapid changes which
occurred in agriculture sector in Britain. The agrarian revolution was
accompanied by the application of science and technology in agriculture. In
Britain took place between 16th Century and 18th Century.
THE SITUATION OF ENGLAND BEFORE THE AGRARIAN REVOLUTION
QN: Critically examine six features of Britain before
the agrarian revolution.
Answer
1.
It characterized by low production.
2.
Land was divided owned by peasants.
3.
Existence of open field system. (Absence of
enclosure system).
4.
Absence of mechanization.
5.
Absence of crop rotation.
6.
Existence of shortage of raw materials.
7.
Existence of low population.
8.
Absence of cross breeding.
THE OPEN FIELD SYSTEM
The open field system: was feudal old farming system
practiced in Europe particularly England before the rise of agrarian
revolution. The system usually practiced under the unfenced land plots
accompanied by the use of poor farming technological methods. However feudalism
in Europe operated under the system called open field system.
WEAKNESS OF OPEN FIELD SYSTEM IN EUROPE
1.
Land was not fenced: hence crops were easily
attacked by the wild animals.
2.
Absence of land tenure: Normally before agrarian
revolution in England the land were not divided based on different uses.
Therefore under the open field system large amount of land were left
uncultivated manly due to poor technology hence led to low production.
3.
Poor methods of farming methods were adopted:
due to poor technology such as use of hand hoes and fallowing farming methods,
this led to poor production
4.
Low production: Due to application of poor
technology which enabled them to produce only for consumption, worse enough the
little production had to be paid to land lord as the payment for rent in kind.
5.
Problem with land fragmentation: Land was
acquired mainly by inheritance whereby the land had to be portioned into small
strips among the members of the family hence it made large scale agriculture
and mechanization impossible. It also led to conflicts based on land
demarcations.
6.
Existence of high exploitation of peasants:
through renting, tenants/fiefs were given land through exploitative mechanisms,
i.e. rent in kind, labor rent and money rent
7.
The pieces of land left fallow were not given
the time to rest: in order to gain fertility hence the land left exhausted.
(Fallow land was the pieces of land which were left uncultivated. The land was
not left for long time to regain the fertility since the large area of land was
not uncultivated). This system led to poor production.
CAUSES OF AGRARIAN/GREEN REVOLUTION
QN: Assess six changes that led to the emergence of
agrarian revolution in Europe particularly in England.
The changes in agricultural production were caused mainly by
the following factors:
1.
The rapid increase in population: The large
population necessitated the changes in the methods on producing crops and
animals so as to cope with the high demand of food for increased population.
2.
High demand of Wool: The high demand of wool led
to introduction of sheep commercial farming in the 16th century due
to the demand of wool clothes.
3.
The role of enclosure
law/act: Enclosure act ended the traditional farming system or open field system
and introduction of modern farming system which encouraged the need enough
land.
4.
The Innovation of New Agricultural Tools: New
agricultural tools such as plough, seed drill, and threshing machine for
improving the efficiency of agricultural operations. The mechanization and
rationalization of agriculture was a key factor of the Agricultural Revolution.
5.
Development of science and technology
(Mechanization): The mechanization and rationalization of agriculture was a key
factor of the Agricultural Revolution. New tools were invented and old ones
perfected to improve the efficiency of various agricultural operations.
6.
Shortage of land: This situation was caused by
population growth in different countries in Europe particularly in England
hence they decide to introduce enclosure system so as to ensure proper land use
planning.
THE MODERN FARMING METHODS IN EGLAND AFTER THE AGRARIAN
REVOLUTION
Qn: Examine six major alterations made in farming
methods during the agrarian revolution in Europe.
Those new methods of agriculture include:
1.
Enclosure system: was the amalgamation of small
strips of land to form a large single estate that was fenced. The system was
done by enacting the laws in the land Act in which the Enclosure Act was
passed. Enclosure system led to eviction of serfs/tenants since they couldn’t
afford to own such estates. Within the enclosure system other modern methods of
Agriculture were applied.
2.
Crop rotation: was the process of growing
alternative crops at different seasons. For instance one crop was replaced by
another crop in the next seasons. This increased productivity.
3.
Innovation of new agriculture tools: So many
agricultural tools were innovated in various parts of the of Europe
specifically in Britain, Netherland, Belgium. Example: in 1701 Jetho Tull (Seed
drill) was innovated, in 1730 Joseph Foljambe Rotterdam innovated plough, in
1763 John Small innovated another advanced plough. However by the 1786 the
threshing machine was innovated by Andrew Meikle. More over by the 1850's and
1860's Steam engine for farming activities was innovated by John Fowler hence
this led to the beginning for mechanization in agriculture.
4.
Application of fertilizers: Normally both
artificial and natural fertilizers were used in order to increase soil
fertility in areas with poor soil fertility. Fertilizers such as nitrates and
sulphates were invented.
5.
Introduction of land reclamation: was the
processes involving of changing the area which was unproductive or useless to
become productive or useful. This new farming method was started in England and
later in Netherlands. Example marsh land and swamps.
6.
Introduction of new crops: Normally agrarian
revolution in Europe particularly in Britain contributed to the emergence of
new crops such as special grasses like clovers, turnips and legumes planted to
provide pastures for sheep and cattle. This led to the increase of wool, milk
and meat.
7.
Introduction of selective breeding: There was
crossing of animals in order to get quality species. Research center was
established for this purpose. Cross breeding was introduced by Robert Barkewell
and Thomas Coke. Robert Barkewellcross-bred of Lincoln and Longhorn sheep to
produce the new Leicester variety.
CHANGES THAT TOOK PLACE IN ENGLAND AFTER THE AGRARIAN
REVOLUTION
The agrarian revolution in Britain brought the following
changes;
1.
Introduction of crop Rotation: Unlike the
pre-agrarian revolution times, farmers of 16 and 18 centuries Britain started
to practice crop rotation. They rotated cereal crops with legumes and fodder
crops. Legumes crop-peas, beans and clovers-restored nitrogen in the soil.
Nitrogen makes soil fertile. One example of farmer who in 1730 grew fodder
crops in rotation with other crops was lord Town shed.
2.
Introduction of New Crops: Crops such as maize
sweat potatoes and fodder crops were introduced in England from the Americans.
The introduction fodder crops led to the constant supply of meat throughout the
year because the presence of fodder crops made it possible to make bay for use
during writer. This was sharp departure from the pre-agrarian revolution error
when all the cattle and other animals were slaughtered during writer for lack
of feed.
3.
Introduction of new improved farming tools:
Examples of instruments which were used included iron plough and Jethro Tull’s
seed drill, combined harvestors, etc.
4.
Introduction land Reclamation: In order to get
more arable land big farmers embarked on draining swam ply land, for example:
King Charles I of England financed a Dutch expert Cornelius Vermigden to drain
Yorkshire and Cambridge shire. Irrigation also practiced during the agricultural
revolution.
5.
Introduction of cross breeding: Better horses,
cattle and sheep were raised. It was during the agrarian revolution that
farmers kept animals for multipurpose. For example, a farmer in Leicester
called Bake well produced a large quantities of beef and mutton to feed
millions of people.
6.
Population increase: Enclosure system stimulated
population increases.
HOW AGRARIAN REVOLUTION CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF
CAPITALISM IN EUROPE
QN: Explain six contributions made by agrarian
revolution to the development of capitalism in Britain.
The agrarian
revolution had a number of contributions to the rise of capitalism in Europe.
1.
It has
facilitated to the Population Growth: Increase of supply of food to the growing
population in cities including workers in the factories.
2.
It has led to the availability of cheap labor:
The enclose system leads to the availability of cheap workers in the farms and
industries. Many serfs and peasants were employed in factories in towns and
cities.
3.
It has led to expansion markets: The
agricultural changes also provided market to the industrial manufactured goods
that needed for agricultural activities. E.g plough, tractors, fertilizers and
y on.
4.
It has contributed to industrial revolution: The
agrarian revolution contributed much to the availability of variety of raw
materials such as cotton, wool, animal skins, milk, etc.
5.
It has led to population increase: Due to
availability of food supply it has makes population to increase.
6.
It has contributed to the growth of cities and
towns: These includes Manchester, Liverpool, England, and so on.
THE ENCLOSURE SYSTEM
This was the modern
farming system which based on collection several small pieces of land and to be
owned by individual person.The system was introduced in England since the 13th
century.
DIFFERENT PROCESS OF ENCLOUSURE SYSTEM
1.
Enclosure of common land: This was the enclosure
of waste land, te process of enclosure of waste land and common land was
carried out in 16th and 17th centuries. Sometimes it was
an agreement between villages.
2.
Enclosure of landlords between 1475 – 1570: This
was the period when there was an increase of wool demand due to the expansion
of wool.
3.
Enclosure of land into strips: This was done by
purchasing land from the farmers or owners.
IMPACTS OF ENCLOSURE SYSTEM IN EUROPE/ENGLAND
1.
Eviction of serfs from their land: that means
the serfs were removed from their land due to Acts passed by the Britain
parliament. Hence they owned nothing except their power and they had to migrate
to town to search for job opportunities.
2.
Adoption of modern methods of Agriculture: e.g.
scientific breeding, this led to increase of qualitative and quantitative
production.
3.
Invention of fertilizers for farming: hence the
fertilizers companies developed rapidly. Eg. of these fertilizers were nitrates
and sulphates
4.
It has led to introduction of Land reclamation:
whereby unproductive areas were converted to productive. This led to expansion
of Agriculture sector.
5.
Expansion of markets: products such as hoes,
fertilizers, shoes, clothes were in high demand in Europe, Africa and Asia.
This required qualitative and quantitative production.
6.
It has increased production: due to adoption of
modern methods of farming such as mechanization and use of fertilizers.
7.
It has improved transportation in the farming
system: In the open field system the farms were not easily accessible, because
they were not fenced without clear demarcations between different individual`s
plots. Therefore the enclosure system improved the situation
CONTRIBUTIONS OF AGRARIAN REVOLUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF
CAPITALISM IN ENGLAND
QN: How the abandonment of open field system affected
the productive system in Britain. Six points.
1.
Availability cheap labor: Labors were free to
sell their labor under their own discretions.
2.
Migration of people: due to searching for
employment.
3.
Emergency of merchant class.
4.
Rise of unemployment due to emergence of landless
people.
5.
Led to the rise of proletarians movement.
6.
Growth of town and cities due to rural to urban
migration caused by shortage of land.
B.THE RISE OF MERCANTILISM/COMMERCIAL REVOLUTION 1450-1750.
Mercantilism: was the first stage of capitalism that
appeared during 15thC-18thC where by trade and commerce
was conducted by European countries with the continent of Africa, Asia and
America through overseas trade and also silver (precious metal) were used as
the coin. Is the period during which feudalism collapsed (demised) as the
result of long distance trade conducted between Western Europe countries and
other continents in the 15th Century.
THE MAIN FEATURES/CHARACTERISTICS OF MERCHANTILISM
1.
National Unification: Is the unifying of small
states to form one strong state for expansion of internal market, removal of
trade barriers and the use of raw materials and other sources available in the
same nation. Therefore during the period of mercantilism many European
countries were undergoing national unification so as to become one strong state
and be in position to compete with other nations. E.g. England, Wales and
Scotland joined to form United Kingdom (Great Britain).
2.
Bullionism: During this period there was
adaptation and application of gold and silver as the medium of exchange because
gold and silver were used as coins in European transaction; hence European
merchants struggled more and more to get gold and silver from different parts
of the world like Zimbabwe, Ghana etc.
3.
Protectionism: During mercantilism European
countries protected trade where by each country protected her internal market
and natural resources available in a country. This was done in order to protect
the interest of trade by not allowing other European countries to compete with
them. E.g. United Kingdom protected internal market by the law called
navigation acts and impose trade barriers such as custom duties and tariff.
4.
National rivalry and militarism: During the
period, mercantilism in many European countries intensified their enemity among
themselves which brought constant military confrontation. E.g. Britain fought
many wars with French, Spain with Portugal for economic interests. Example
Britain decided to undergo navy forces during the rule of Tudor monarchy in
order to piracy the wealth of other European merchants for development of
capitalism in Britain.
5.
Colonialism: During this period many European
countries began to look for other economic interests in other countries in
different parts of the world. The Aim was to colonize countries for economic
interests such as raw materials, labor, market and areas for investments.
Example The Dutch at the cape of South Africa 1652 where they wanted to control
and unite South Africa, Spanish and Portugal wanted to control Australia and
Canada.
6.
Growth of financial institutions: These
financial institutions provided loans and credit to the European merchants in
order to continue conducting overseas trade and development of science and
technology especially marine technology, ship building, compass direction,
compass bearing, etc. These institutions were Barclays bank and house of Lloyd
s.
FACTORS/ FORCES/ CAUSES OF THE RISE OF MERCHANTALISM
There were various factors that led to the rise of
mercantilism they are as follows:-
1.
Internal trade (inter trade and craft): The
Development of guilds and craftsmen during the period of collapse of European
feudalism led to the rise of mercantilism because commodities produced by
craftsmen and people who were involved in guilds which accelerated the internal
trade example ornaments, plates, mirrors, were later on exported to other parts
of the world particularly in Africa, hence the rise of mercantilism.
2.
Periodic exhibition among European nations: This
promoted the existence of overseas trade among European countries, Africa, Asia
and America because the new commodities which were exhibited and new technology
acted as the acceleration of mercantilism because merchants and other people of
different parts of the world were interested to use the commodities that were
exhibited.
3.
The development of marine technology and compass
direction: During the 15th century, Europe witnessed rapid changes in
scientific curiosity and inquiry. That was a century in which the scientific
revolution took firm roots. Meanwhile marine technology among the European
nations enabled the merchants to sail even deep sea. The nations and merchants
also constructed large ships which could carry bulky materials such as cotton,
tobacco and minerals. Merchants benefited greatly from the marine technology as
they could sail to various parts of the world.
4.
Development of financial institutions: These
provided loans; credit and services to European merchants in order to continue
involving in trading activities, so the role played by these institutions accumulated
more wealth which they used on investment of economic sector hence the rise of
mercantilism. Example standard chatered, Bacrays, and so on.
5.
The role played by political revolution:
political revolution provided security among merchants. Example; British after
the revolution which removed King Charles I & II from power gave rise of
Tudor monarchy. Example The rise of King Henry the navigator facilitated the
rise of mercantilism like loans and credit and in France after king Louis was
removed from power, French managed to get involved in merchant trade.
6.
The role played by enclosure system: This was
brought by agrarian revolution, it played a great and important role towards
the development of mercantilism because the large scale plantations were established
and increase an output of agricultural industrial raw materials like wool,
wheat flour, and these agricultural raw materials increased manufactured goods
in industries which were needed by European merchants for their own use.
7.
Geographical discovery: The discovery of the new
world by Christopher Columbus on 24.10, 1492; led to establishment of
plantation and mines in America, Canada, Peru, Colombia, etc. So the
establishment of these needed slave labor from Africa after the failure of the
red Indians and expressiveness of European criminals and prisoners, hence this
led to the establishment of mercantilism because Europeans were in need of raw
materials.
8.
Profitability of unequal exchange: during this
period European got more wealth by using illegal ways like piracy, kidnapping,
looting, slave trade, etc. but also they used to sell in Africa commodities of
low value and things which were unsellable in Europe, things such as mirror,
while they obtained things of high value from African continent like Ivory. So
this led to the rise and development of mercantilism.
9.
Crusade war: this was a religious war between
European (Christians) vs. Arabs (Muslims) in the Middle East near Turkey to
control trade and capture the whole city. This made the way to become insecure
for European traders but also Arabs controlled the trade routes whereby they
increased tariffs to European traders. This forced Europeans to the alternative
way to reach India (Asia) and Africa for conducting trade. Hence development
and the rise of mercantilism.
10. The role played by Tudor monarchy: this was English
dynasty (royal) ruling family which descended from king Henry VII to Queen
Elizabeth I. The Tudor monarchy helped in the development of mercantilism
through creation of navigation act by the mid of 1652's, it has provides
security to the merchants, it has provided loans, transportation means, and
other facilitates.
CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY TUDOR MONARCHY TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF
MERCANTILISM IN ENGLAND
Qn: Assess six contributions made by English Tudor monarchy
to the escalation of Mercantilism in Britain.
Qn: By giving six points, show how did the Tudor monarchy
favored the merchant interests in England?
Tudor monarchy: this was English dynasty (royal ruling
family) which descended from king Henry VII to Queen Elizabeth I. However Tudor
monarchy contributed much to the development of mercantilism through the
following ways;
1.
It has imposed navigation laws/act: The Tudor
monarchy created laws to protect the England domestic markets as well as
international markets in the British colonies.
2.
It has provided loans to the merchants: The
English merchants were well capitalized by
British government through provision of soft loans to the
merchants so as to help the to trade easily.
3.
It has provided security to the merchants:
Merchants were protected by British government by ensuring full security
against piracy in overseas trade by giving merchants gun powders, arm fires,
and so many protections.
4.
It has ensured full acquisition of colonies: The
English Tudor monarchy ensured availability of many colonies in different parts
of the world as the external markets for merchants and source of capital
accumulation. Example America, Asia Africa, Australia, and so many external
territories.
5.
It has established international trading
companies: The British Tudor monarchy established various trading companies
with freedom to drade in the whole world, however the British merchants used
this chance to trade every part where they have decided. Hence the rise of
mercantilism. Example British formed East Indian Chartered company in 1600
which could organize trade between Asia and Japan (far east), Royal African
chartered company by the 1658 this company was organized trade in African
continent.
6.
It has advanced marine technology: The British
Tudor monarchy ensured that the marine transport has to be much advanced
through manufacturing of far going vessel so as to help merchants to make the
world circulation in searching for capital in different parts of the world. 7.
It has ensured decline of feudal systems: The British Tudor monarchy has played
a greater role to the riese of capitalism by discouraging all forms of
feudalism in England. Example the open field system was discouraged and
introducing the enclosure system.
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