Middle Ages Regents Practice Exam 2025 - Free Regents Practice Questions and Study Guide

The emergence of trade and increased awareness of the outside world significantly contributed to the decline of feudalism in Western Europe. During the Middle Ages, feudalism was characterized by a rigid social hierarchy where land was held in exchange for service. However, as trade routes expanded and commerce grew, people began to move away from agrarian economies that were solely reliant on local lords and their lands.

With the rise of towns and cities, a new merchant class began to emerge, which created economic opportunities that were separate from the feudal system. This new economic structure allowed individuals to earn their own income and gain wealth independent of feudal obligations. As trade encouraged interactions with distant regions and cultures, there was a shift in societal values, leading to increased ideas about individual rights and property ownership.

Furthermore, as towns became more prosperous, many serfs sought freedom from their lords in search of work in urban areas. This movement contributed to the weakening of the traditional feudal bonds, making the system less relevant in the face of new economic realities. Consequently, the growth of trade and the expanding awareness of the outside world were pivotal in transforming Europe from a feudal economy to a more market-based system, ultimately leading to a decline in feudalism.