We continue with the explanation that we started in our previous article: Early Middle Ages: transition to the Feudal Mode of Production. We have already explained that the first centuries of History Medieval (the Early Middle Ageslate V century to late VIII century) are characterized by being the stage of transition between two modes of productionthe pro-slavery and the feudal. So let’s see what these terms mean in a simple way that facilitates our understanding.
Mode of production
It is something known that human beings must produce the necessary means for our subsistence. This process of transforming natural resources requires the cooperation of various individuals. Well in historythe Production Mode is called the specific way in which a society determined is organized and relates to produce their livelihoods, according to the resources available. The Mode of production characterizes each historical time.
For example, the medieval society it was characterized by the so-called Feudal Mode of Production, based on agricultural work. This Mode of Production was characterized by the exploitation of Sirslandowners, towards the workers farmers not landowners.
Transition
Historians use the term “transition” quite frequently to refer to those historical stages that pass between the dismantling of one mode of production and the development of a new one that is very different from the previous one.
These are usually complex stages to understand. Because at the same moment elements of the old society that are still in force, and in turn original elements of the new society that is being formed are being established.
For example, in the transition period between ancient mode of production (slaver) and the feudal, Different types of producers coexist. For example, slaves who were the property of their masters, settlers who paid taxes to the State, along with peasants dependent on large landowners and free peasants.
Sources:
IT IS. 1 Social Sciences – Secondary Education – Publication of the General Directorate of Culture and Education of the Province of Buenos Aires / Provincial Directorate of Planning – Provincial Program School Texts for All – Buenos Aires – 2007 at www.abc.gov.ar,
Social Sciences 1, To think, societies in prehistory, in Antiquity and in the Middle Ages. Territories of the Present World. Editorial Kapeluz-Norm.
Middle Ages on Wikipedia
Image:
Timeline Middle Ages and modes of Production, in Encuentro Notebooks