What significant change followed the fall of the Western Roman Empire?

The fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE marked a profound shift in the political, social, and economic structures of Europe, leading to the rise of feudalism and the emergence of the medieval period. This transformation was characterized by the decentralization of power, as the vast territories once controlled by Rome fragmented into smaller, localized kingdoms and fiefdoms.

With the collapse of centralized Roman authority, local lords and nobles gained prominence, and the feudal system took shape. This system was based on a hierarchy of land ownership and obligations, where vassals pledged loyalty and service to their lords in exchange for protection and land. The relationship between lord and vassal became fundamental to social organization during the medieval period.

Additionally, as urban centers declined and trade routes were disrupted, many people turned to agriculture for survival, leading to an agrarian-based economy that defined much of medieval life. This new social structure and economic system heavily influenced European society for centuries, setting the stage for subsequent developments, such as the emergence of nation-states and the eventual transition to the Renaissance.

In contrast, the establishment of a democratic government did not occur immediately following the fall of Rome; rather, the concept of democracy would evolve much later.