Feudalism began whith people joining together in response to common problems. These problems included danger from foreign invaders, the lack of a common currency or trade, and food shortages.
Within the feudal system existed many smaller feudal states, usually located around a castle or cathedral and consisting of farmers, laborers and craftsmen. These communities gave service and sought protection from the local lord or noble
A definite class system existed in these medieval communities. Also, these early feudal states were self-sufficient, trading little with outsiders. Eventually though, smaller villages grew together more and more. Nobles would combine forces to wage war and qcquire larger kingdomw. Often these leaders would die or fall to squabbling, and kingdoms would fall appart. But in the long-run, with states growing and comquering, a stable culture was reborn.
