What contributed to the end of the feudal system in Europe?

The end of the feudal system in Europe was significantly influenced by the loss of the nobility’s military power and the impact of the Black Death. As feudalism was structured around the relationship between lords and vassals, where vassals provided military service in exchange for land and protection, a shift in the dynamics of power occurred when the nobility's control over military resources diminished.

The Black Death, which decimated a large portion of Europe's population in the 14th century, led to labor shortages and a subsequent increase in the bargaining power of peasants and serfs. With fewer workers available, those who survived were able to demand better terms, including wages and conditions, which weakened the rigid class structure that characterized feudal society. As the peasants and townspeople gained more economic power, they began to challenge the traditional authority of the nobility.

This shift paved the way for the rise of more centralized forms of government, and the new economic realities fostered by the increased trade, exploration, and the emergence of a merchant class further diminished the feudal order. Overall, the combination of these elements facilitated the decline of feudalism, allowing for the rise of different societal structures in Europe.