After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Europe remained divided into two parts: Western Europe and Eastern Europe. Eastern Europe then developed into the Byzantium Empire and left Western Europe in a period of slow development called the Middle Ages. The Middle Ages occurred between 500 AD and 1400 AD The Middle Ages were divided into several time periods called the Early Middle Ages, the Early Middle Ages, and the Late Middle Ages, each period contributing to the tension or progress of the Middle Ages. The Middle Ages deserve the titles of the Age of Feudalism because of this style of government influencing the social order of society and the Dark Ages because this period was plagued by disease and destruction, however, the Middle Ages are more deserving of the title of the Age of Feudalism. Faith due to the indomitable influence of the Roman Catholic Church on political and social issues throughout Western Europe. The Middle Ages deserve the title of the Era of Feudalism because feudalism influenced the social roles of every individual in a manor for several hundred years. Feudalism was a political system in which each individual was responsible for contributing to the manor but still received a service in return, a give and take relationship. For example, the feudal obligations between a vassal (knight) and a lord were that the lord would provide the vassal with land (fief) and protection and a vassal would provide the lord with military protection and loyalty (doc 4). Furthermore it was impossible to move up or down in the feudal system, serfs and peasants were tied to their land (OI). Another example of how feudalism provided responsibility to each individual of the manor is in the oath of homage sworn by John of Toul, who swore to uphold his responsibilities as pro......middle of paper..... . and a great deal of power socially and politically, enough for people to abandon the feudal system and join the Crusades and for societies to side with the church on issues because it is God's will and what God wanted. The faith that people had in the Church and God was prevalent throughout all periods of the Middle Ages and never waned, making the Age of Faith the best title for the Middle Ages. It is evident that Western Europe during the Middle Ages was full of tension, yet many events had influenced the people. The Middle Ages deserve the titles of the Age of Feudalism for its influence on social hierarchy and the Dark Ages as it held back development, however, as the church has ultimate power over everyone's decisions in Western Europe, this suggests that the Middle Ages deserve more the title Age of Faith. Amy Vo
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