Beginning in the 11th century in Europe began to be active urbanization.However, it was then decided to sneer, "no land without a lord", and from the very moment of its formation the medieval city is at the mercy of feudal lords, and their inhabitants were forced to put up with their arbitrariness.This situation eventually became a burden the population.Therefore, until we reached a lot of historical documents that describe the struggle of cities with the feudal lords.So, what conflicts have occurred in the Middle Ages in Europe between the citizens and the large landowners, and how they ended?
economic prerequisites of the cities
In the early Middle Ages the few surviving ancient Roman cities were inhabited by people engaged in agriculture, so that even the once landscaped areas and areas for public use plowed and turned into farmland.However, since the late 11th century the development of technology has led to the formation of crafts as a new branch that is separate from agriculture.At the same time people having the same profession, began to settle together, because in this way ensures higher productivity and, consequently, a large profit.As a result, there were first craft Posada, who can be considered the ancestors of modern industrial cities, and next take off began to build their houses and merchants.For artisan products needed to implement, and with the advent of free cash flow grew and their needs for things that are not produced locally.
Background conflicts between lords and townspeople
As already mentioned, the emergence of a large number of cities in the Middle Ages was primarily due to economic factors.In particular, this was due to the development of production and trade.Generally it is taken to indicate the following options for the emergence of cities in the former Roman settlements around castles and fortresses, monasteries around.Moreover, they are often formed on the basis of craft Posada, is a well-organized communities.Moreover, regardless of their origin, in all such settlements, those who engaged in agriculture, in the minority.But any city stood on the ground, and almost the whole territory of the West, and the Eastern part of medieval Europe belonged to kings or feudal lords.Therefore, all the townspeople found themselves under the rule of the feudal lord.And at first he Senor, as a rule, tried to encouraged the influx of people, treating people who lived on his land as a source of steady income.
why the city wanted to free themselves from the power of seniors?
With the growth of the welfare of urban residents tend to grow and claims the feudal lords.This occurs most often after residents "to take root" in a new place, and acquire their property, which they did not want to leave.First of all, it is manifested in the constant tax increases, which began impose literally from all over.In addition, the clerks seniors themselves are often "take the initiative" with a view to its own enrichment.Also practice a system of fines, which punished for minor infractions, and the collection of fees for engaging in some activity.It often happened, and so that the lord just took away those who were depending on him, what he liked.
Thus, the main reason why the city wanted to free themselves from the power of seniors, has become arbitrary in relation to the citizens.In addition, it contributed to the realization that the feudal dependence inhibits the growth of their wealth.
Fight cities lords
Most residents were originally servitors lord and peasants whose ancestors have always lived in these places.Also feudal favorably allowed to settle in their cities lackeys fled from former masters because their income is directly dependent on the number of residents.In the hands of seniors concentrated all power.In addition, thanks to the former peasants into the cities began to develop customs peculiar to community-based device, be in the future a great influence on the formation of municipal government.
feudal desire to extract as much revenue has meant that artisans and merchants sought to free themselves from the power of the lord, as they constantly became the main target of extortion.Thus arose the medieval commune with a view to the liberation of the cities.At first, the townspeople fought for the reduction of levies and trading privileges, but later they became more serious and nominate political demands.In particular, most of it was for the urban population of the right to self-government.Thus, when considering the history of the Middle Ages, the struggle with feudal lords cities takes it did not last.A feature of communal movement is its local character, as it was conducted against a particular person, but did not affect the social structure.
Fight Results
There are cases when the city received certain privileges, buying them from seniors for money.Moreover, the amount in this case were so large that they exceed the income from fees and fines in the years ahead.But most of the city became a free, t. E. Self-governing, but as a result of many years of struggle, often armed, which often interfere with emperors and kings, acting as the judges.If as a result of the war between the residents and getting any feudal lord victory, he ruthless with the most active participants in municipal traffic and tightened extortion.
how the process of liberation of the city from the power of seniors in different countries?
in each of the European feudal states of medieval commune had its peculiarities.The fact is that the reason why the city wanted to free themselves from the power of seniors, coinciding in general, and have certain nuances.
So, in the south of France, the transition to self-government went smoothly and without bloodshed.With regard to Italy, there arose the city-republic or authority transferred to the clergy.
Now you know why the city wanted to free themselves from the power of seniors and how was the formation of local governments in the major towns of Medieval Europe.
