Feudal System

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1. Feudal System of Europe

The feudal system was a way of government based on agreements that were made between the lord or king and vassals. In medieval times, there were three major groups of people- the nobility, the church, and the commoners. Relationships between groups and people were based on a balance system, a sort of “you do this for me, and I’ll do this for you” approach. In the feudal system, everyone was a vassal, meaning servants. At the top of the pyramid was the local king. Near the bottom were the knights, the professional fighting men. In the middle were the lords, other nobles, counts and officials. At the very bottom were the peasants.

The king would give large estates to his friends and relatives. These estates included houses, barns, tools, animals, and peasants. The king also promised to protect the vassal for any reason. In return, the nobles who were granted this land would have to swear to an oath of loyalty to the kind. The nobles promised never to fight against the kind. They also had to give the king whatever he asked for. The kind may ask for men to fight a war, money, or advice. The nobles also gave the king a place to stay when he traveled. By the 12th century, this system of government, known as feudalism, could be found throughout most of Western Europe.

2. Tribute System of Pre-Imperial Mongolia

During the Pre-Imperial Mongolian era, Genghis Khan and his army overran Beijing and pushed the empire towards northern China. His success as Khan helped as people got the impression that he had the Mandate of Heaven and that fighting against him was fighting heaven itself. The people of surrounding empires recognized the Mongol authority and agreed to pay tribute. And similar to the tribute system of the Tang and Song Dynasties, relations were kept peaceful because of this system.

During this Pre-Imperial Mongolian time, they expected the conquered people to pay some form of taxes or tribute and if they did, they...
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