Enserfment

Enserfment, also known as serfdom, was a system of agricultural labor that existed in much of medieval Europe. Under enserfment, peasants, or serfs, were tied to the land and obligated to provide labor and goods to their lord. They were not slaves, as they could not be bought and sold individually, but they were also not free. Serfs had certain rights, such as the right to cultivate a plot of land for their own sustenance, and their lord had a duty to protect them.

The lord of the manor granted plots of land to serfs in exchange for their labor on the lord's land and a portion of their produce. The specific obligations varied but often included working the lord's fields for a set number of days each week, paying rent in kind or cash, and performing other services. Serfs were generally not allowed to leave the land without the lord's permission, marry without his consent, or inherit their land freely.

Enserfment began to decline in Western Europe during the late Middle Ages, particularly after the Black Death, which led to a labor shortage and increased the bargaining power of peasants. In Eastern Europe, however, serfdom persisted much longer, with some forms continuing into the 19th century. The abolition of serfdom in various regions marked a significant shift towards more free labor systems and is considered an important step in the transition to modern economies.