Feudalism developed differently in Europe and Japan. In Europe, feudalism emerged after the fall of the Western Roman Empire and was characterized by local lords granting land to vassals who owed military service. In Japan, the emperor remained the primary authority but delegated power to shoguns and daimyos, who administered their lands through a system of vassals. Both systems featured hierarchical social structures and political decentralization under local lords.

1. FEUDALISM
Europe vs. Japan
Unit 3. The Post-classical Era