medieval militarism

Medieval militarism refers to the emphasis on military power and the role of armed forces in society during the Middle Ages, roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century. Feudal systems emerged, where lords granted lands to vassals in exchange for military service. Knights became the elite soldiers, trained in combat and chivalry. Warfare was often about territorial expansion, defense, and power struggles among kingdoms. This era saw the rise of fortified castles and new military technologies, shaping not just military strategies but also political and social structures of the time.