The fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD marked the beginning of the Middle Ages and led to significant political, social, and economic disruption in Europe. The centralized authority fractured into numerous smaller kingdoms, leading to feudalism. Trade decline and loss of literacy also characterized this period, fostering localism and creating a power vacuum that allowed for the rise of regional leaders. This fragmentation laid the groundwork for future nation-states and transformed societal structures, influencing the subsequent development of European history, culture, and governance.