Rise of the Fourth Order’ – New Towns and Townspeople
- Agricultural expansion in medieval times led to growth in three interconnected areas: population, trade, and towns.
- After the fall of the Roman Empire, many towns were abandoned and left in ruins. However, starting from the eleventh century, as agriculture improved and could support larger populations, towns began to revive.
- Towns became attractive because they offered opportunities for paid work and freedom from the control of lords, especially for young people from peasant backgrounds.
- Some larger towns had populations of around 30,000 people, and they could be considered as a sort of “fourth” social order, alongside the traditional three orders of clergy, nobility, and peasants.
The Three Orders Class 11 History Notes
During the 9th to 16th centuries, after the Roman Empire declined, Europe faced challenges like political disunity and conflict. German tribes often fought each other for control of land. To restore peace and organize society, Europeans created the Three Orders system. Over time, adjustments were made to better meet the needs of society.
The book “Feudal Society and the Idea” by Marc Bloch provides further insight into European society during this period. In this article, you will find all the important notes related to the Class 11 Chapter, “The Three Orders”, specially curated by a team of experts at w3wiki.
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