The historical period marked by the decline of feudalism is often referred to as the Late Middle Ages, transitioning into the Renaissance. During this time, which spanned from the 14th to the 16th centuries, significant changes in economic, social, and political structures occurred. The rise of towns and trade, alongside the emergence of a merchant class, weakened the traditional feudal system, which relied on agriculture and the nobility’s dominance. The erosion of serfdom and increased focus on individual rights and humanism during the Renaissance further facilitated this decline. This transformative period laid the groundwork for modern nation-states and capitalist economies.