How important was the growth of towns as a reason for the decline of feudal society? - Scottish Highers History - Question 4 - 2023
Question 4
How important was the growth of towns as a reason for the decline of feudal society?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:How important was the growth of towns as a reason for the decline of feudal society? - Scottish Highers History - Question 4 - 2023
Step 1
Assessing the Role of Town Growth
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Answer
The growth of towns played a significant role in the decline of feudal society by providing new economic opportunities that diminished the traditional feudal system. As towns expanded, they attracted people seeking jobs, commerce, and a better quality of life, leading to the rise of a merchant class.
Step 2
Economic Shifts and Power Dynamics
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Answer
These towns generated economic shifts where wealth became concentrated in the hands of merchants rather than feudal lords. The emergence of a money economy allowed for greater independence among townspeople, leading to a gradual erosion of the feudal bonds that tied peasants to their lords.
Step 3
Legal and Social Changes
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The establishment of towns introduced different legal rights, including charters that granted self-governance. Townspeople began to enjoy rights previously unavailable under feudal systems, which contributed to the empowerment of the lower classes and a decrease in serfdom.
Step 4
Cultural and Philosophical Influences
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Furthermore, the rise of towns facilitated the spread of new ideas and cultural exchanges that fostered individualism and questioned traditional authority, further undermining feudal relationships.
Step 5
Conclusion
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Answer
In summary, the growth of towns was crucial in the decline of feudal society, as it fostered economic independence, altered power dynamics, facilitated social change, and encouraged new ways of thinking that ultimately diminished the feudal structure.
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