antifeudal

Antifeudalism refers to a political and social movement that opposes feudalism, a social and economic system that dominated Europe from the 9th to the 15th century. Feudalism was characterized by a hierarchical structure where land was owned by a few, and the majority of the population were serfs who worked the land in exchange for protection and the right to live on it. The antifeudal movement emerged in response to the harsh conditions of serfdom, including heavy taxes, forced labor, and lack of personal freedom.

The antifeudal movement gained momentum during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, driven by factors such as the rise of merchant classes, the growth of towns and cities, and the spread of ideas about individual rights and liberties. Key figures in this movement included Thomas More, who wrote "Utopia" as a critique of feudal society, and John Calvin, whose religious reforms challenged the authority of the feudal nobility.

The antifeudal movement culminated in the French Revolution in 1789, which led to the abolition of feudalism in France and the establishment of a more egalitarian society. The principles of antifeudalism continue to influence modern political and social thought, emphasizing the importance of individual rights, equality, and the rule of law.