Skip to main content

In the book Passages from Antiquity to Feudalism by Perry Anderson, what are the main points in pages 107-142? What were the main characteristics...

In this section of From Antiquity to Feudalism, Perry discusses the two Germanic invasions of Rome and the West. The first wave started in 405 and involved the sack of Rome by the Visigoths in 410. While the Roman Empire's economy and society was destroyed by these invasions, the invaders nonetheless upheld many aspects of Roman management and traditions. The author states that the Germanic tribes were far too primitive to take over Rome...

In this section of From Antiquity to Feudalism, Perry discusses the two Germanic invasions of Rome and the West. The first wave started in 405 and involved the sack of Rome by the Visigoths in 410. While the Roman Empire's economy and society was destroyed by these invasions, the invaders nonetheless upheld many aspects of Roman management and traditions. The author states that the Germanic tribes were far too primitive to take over Rome and the west without co-opting many of the practices of the people they had conquered (page 113). For example, the Ostrogoths in Rome kept the Roman civilian bureaucracy while imposing their military structure on top of it. Therefore, this first wave of barbarian invasions was in some ways very limited. 







The next wave of invasions had more significant results. As Perry writes, "It was the next wave of Germanic migrations which determined the later map of Western feudalism profoundly and permanently" (page 120). These invasions included the Frankish takeover of Gaul, the Anglo-Saxon conquest of England, and the Lombard takeover of Italy. By this point, organized resistance to invasions had been lessened by the first wave of invasions.


By the 6th century, the dual system of old and new systems had given way to a new system, feudalism. Villages developed as agricultural units in France and elsewhere. By the 7th century, a hereditary aristocracy had developed in Anglo-Saxon England. Western countries also began to adopt Christianity. Feudalism developed as what Perry calls a "synthesis" of Roman and Germanic systems (page 128). Many of the features of feudalism, such as serfdom, came from both legacies. The Christian Church played a vital role in the transition of western societies to feudalism. As Perry writes, "the Church was thus the indispensable bridge between two epochs" (page 137). For example, the Church was the supporter of the Carolingian Monarchy, the first feudal dynasty. After this time, feudalism was the dominant system in Europe.






Popular posts from this blog

In chapter one of The Great Gatsby, what advice does Nick's father give him? How does this make him a good person to tell this story?

Nick says that his father advised him that, before "criticizing anyone," he "remember that all the people in this world haven't had the same advantages" as Nick.  As a result, Nick claims that he is "inclined to reserve all judgments," presenting himself to the reader as a fair and dispassionate arbiter of character, and thus, a reliable narrator.   The problem is that Nick immediately reveals himself as anything but reliable, as he then launches... Nick says that his father advised him that, before "criticizing anyone," he "remember that all the people in this world haven't had the same advantages" as Nick.  As a result, Nick claims that he is "inclined to reserve all judgments," presenting himself to the reader as a fair and dispassionate arbiter of character, and thus, a reliable narrator.   The problem is that Nick immediately reveals himself as anything but reliable, as he then launches into a discussion of how pe...

How did the United States become an imperial power?

"Imperial power" is a bit of a vague label. It tends to mean several things at once, so let's unpack it. In the sense of "this country was built on conquest by force," the "imperial power" part of America actually predates the United States proper. The territories that would become the United States were imperial colonies, established by the great European empires of the 17th and 18th centuries. Much of the US Constitution and American governance generally goes back to England, history's largest and most successful imperial power, but vital aspects of American culture come from other imperial powers, such as France and Spain. Much of American culture comes from sources other than the old empires, but they were key influences on what the United States became. In the sense of "this country treats conquest by force as a fundamental component of its culture, economy and politics," the United States has always been an imperial power. Even earl...

How and why does James Gatz become Jay Gatsby? Describe the young Gatsby/Gatz.

James Gatz, a poor Midwestern boy of probable Jewish lineage, becomes Jay Gatsby, a presumed WASP and wealthy socialite, when he moves to New York City and acquires his fortune. It is wealth that has allowed Gatz to transform himself into Gatsby. However, those who know his background (e.g., Daisy and Tom Buchanan) never allow him to forget that he is nouveau riche -- that is, an upstart who has just recently made his fortune,... James Gatz, a poor Midwestern boy of probable Jewish lineage, becomes Jay Gatsby, a presumed WASP and wealthy socialite, when he moves to New York City and acquires his fortune. It is wealth that has allowed Gatz to transform himself into Gatsby. However, those who know his background (e.g., Daisy and Tom Buchanan) never allow him to forget that he is nouveau riche -- that is, an upstart who has just recently made his fortune, whereas they arose from well-to-do families. Gatz became Gatsby through determination and discipline. At the end of the novel, the narr...