CHAPTER VII. 



Decline of Feudalism and Introduction op First 

 Regular Cavalry, 1290 — 1445. 



W 



section I. — RESULTS OP THE CRUSADES. 



It has been observed by some superficial writers that 

 the Crusades did not influence the military art in any 

 m irked degree ; but although these great expeditions 

 did not immediately produce striking alterations in the 

 manner of conducting war, yet they indirectly caused 

 great changes in the sov^ial, political, and military systems 

 of Europe. 



The Crusades struck a serious blow at feudalism. The 

 nature of the* feudal tenure, particularly suited to the 

 petty quarrels between neighbouring lords or small states, 

 was not adapted to the wars between great kingdoms. 

 The term of service which the vassal owed his chief was 

 generally forty days only, and sometimes even less. 

 Armies gathered under such a system could burn an open 

 town, or make a plundering raid, but could not under- 

 take a protracted siege, or enter into a lengthened 

 campaign.^ 



This weakened the power of the monarchs, and 

 rendered extensive conquests by them impossible. It 

 caused them also to be dependent to a great extent upon 

 their powerful vassals, who for a long period exercised 

 a preponderating influence. The petty quarrels and 

 continual conflicts in the early days of feudalism caused 

 ' Hallam's Middle Ages, i. 260. 



