So feudalism was just a lot of private contracts? O.K.. But if one's choice is "accept a serfdom contract or starve", isn't this in fact coercion?
Technically serfdom is outside the bounds of feudalism because a serf does not do homage or swear fealty for his lands. Reguardless, using feudalism to coerce one into a subservient role does not, by itself, imply that feudalism is inherently a system of pyramid shaped rulership. Thats like implying guns inherently create a pyramid shaped society. Reread the original message and replace "feudalism" with "firearms."
There are plenty of examples where, in fact, where lords either released their tenants from servile status, or infact held no land fiefs at all ("bastard" feudalism).
I've certainly leased a house, and not considered myself a serf...
That's because you were not of the social class known as "serf."
Damon.
------------------------------------------------------------ Damon Agretto [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum." Now Building: Tamiya's M26 Pershing ------------------------------------------------------------
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