Change in Government in Europe from Around 1400-1815

Government in Europe changed a lot from 1400-1815. Government changed from an organized system sharing land called feudalism, to absolutism: governing from the divine right of kings to enlightened absolutism all the way to the French Revolution. England had its own history and type of government and didn’t change exactly with the majority of Europe. In order to effectively trace the change in Government in Europe from 1400-1800, going back a little bit is necessary. Feudalism developed around the 8th century, but did not reach Europe really until the 10th century. It began to develop in France, and then spread to Spain, Italy, and later Germany and Eastern Europe. It then extended eastward into Slavic lands to the marches which were continually battered by new invasions, and it was adopted partially in Scandinavian countries. The important features of feudalism were similar throughout, but there existed definite national differences. Feudalism continued in all parts of Europe through the middle ages, ending around the 15th century. Basically, Feudalism divides a state up so that different people have control of the land and people in it. Kings held the most power; they granted land to Barons in exchange for soldiers. Barons allowed Knights to own land if they swore an oath of loyalty and devotion to serve in battle. The Barons were also in charge of the small communities and made all decisions. Knights then gave the serfs some pasture for farming, but they expected gifts in return. These often included money and goods.
In England the French feudalism was enforced by William I after 1066. Dispute between France and England caused the 100 years war which lasted from 1337-1453. The feudal relationship between the two countries was a big cause of the hundred years war. Although Kings in England owned land in France, they were technically vassals to the French Kings. England’s kings were then subordinate to the French Kings and they did not like that. France