Which social structure characterized Europe during the pre-industrial age?

The social structure that characterized Europe during the pre-industrial age was predominantly a rigid feudal system. This system was defined by a hierarchical organization based on land ownership and obligations between different classes. At the top of this hierarchy were the monarchs, followed by nobles and lords who controlled large estates and offered protection and land to vassals in exchange for military service. Peasants and serfs made up the lowest tier, working the land and providing agricultural produce while being subject to the authority and demands of their lords.

The feudal system shaped not only the economic landscape of the time but also dictated social relationships and mobility. This structure limited personal freedoms and economic opportunities for those at the lower levels, as individuals were often born into their roles and had restricted options for upward mobility. The roles and obligations of each class were clearly defined, contributing to the rigidity of this system.

In contrast, a capitalist economy with wage labor, a democratic government, or a communist system did not characterize pre-industrial Europe. Capitalism, which relies on market-driven principles and individual economic freedoms, did not fully develop until the Industrial Revolution. Democratic government systems were also not present, as most European societies operated under monarchies or feudal systems. Similarly, commun