10.5    Rise of New Monarchies/

. Rise of New Monarchies/ Nation-States In the age of feudalism, the kings entered into agreement with the nobility for the provision of arms and ammunition during war with enemies. In return the kings offered them knighthood and tax free lands. The ‘fief’ was a land given to the nobles as tax free for services rendered to the kings. This relationship helped both the parties. This feudal lord–vassal relationship began to decline leading to the emergence of new powerful monarchies during this period of Renaissance and Reformation. Modern World: The Age of Reason Causes Decline of Feudalism Under the feudal system, the medieval kings were at the mercy of their nobles who were prepared to align with the king’s enemies at any time. The kings had no control over the vassal lands, as the nobles had their own sub vassals and army to protect them. This weakened the position and power of the kings. The plague that struck Europe in medieval time weakened the nobility. As thousands of peasants died, the nobility lost their work force and their taxes too. Nobles died in large numbers during the course of Crusades. The decline of feudalism was a decisive factor in enabling the new rising monarchy to assert itself. New warfare techniques such as use of gunpowder also contributed to the changes. The weakening war strategy of the knights came to the forefront during the Thirty Years War. The English longbow along with gunpowder caused more damage than the mounted knights. Growing Unpopularity of the Church During the medieval period, the Church was the dominant institution. It had large tracts of lands under its control. Church establishments such as monasteries, convents and buildings acquired more land, which were exempted from taxes. Further the church imposed tithe, % of the total produce, as a tax levied on the people under its jurisdiction. The Church became wealthier than the state. Through its economic and religious power, the Church assumed greater significance than the kings. The Church had its own justice system too. Ecclesiastical