How did government structures evolve in medieval societies between 750–1500?

Between 750-1500, medieval societies saw a shift from tribal structures to feudalism, and eventually to centralised monarchies.

In the early Middle Ages (750-1000), most of Europe was divided into small tribal kingdoms. These were often ruled by a chieftain or a king, who held power through personal loyalty and military might. The government was typically a simple structure, with the ruler at the top and his warriors beneath him. Decisions were often made in tribal assemblies, where free men could voice their opinions and influence policy.

However, as these kingdoms grew and became more complex, a new system of governance emerged: feudalism. This was a hierarchical system where the king granted land to his nobles (known as 'fiefs') in exchange for their loyalty and military service. These nobles, in turn, granted parts of their land to lesser nobles or knights, creating a complex web of obligations and loyalties. This system allowed kings to rule over large territories without needing a large centralised government. However, it also led to a great deal of local autonomy, as each noble was essentially the ruler of his own lands.

By the late Middle Ages (1300-1500), however, this system was beginning to break down. Kings started to consolidate their power, creating more centralised governments. They did this by establishing permanent armies (rather than relying on feudal levies), creating bureaucratic institutions to manage their kingdoms, and asserting their authority over the Church. This process was often contentious, leading to conflicts between kings and nobles. However, by the end of the 15th century, most of Western Europe was ruled by centralised monarchies.

This evolution was not uniform across Europe, however. In some areas, such as Italy and the Holy Roman Empire, the feudal system persisted well into the Renaissance. In others, like Scandinavia, tribal structures remained dominant for much longer. Furthermore, in Eastern Europe, a different system known as 'manorialism' developed, where peasants were tied to the land and ruled by local lords. Despite these variations, the overall trend was towards greater centralisation and the development of more complex government structures.