University of Central Florida (UCF) EUH2000 Western Civilization I Midterm Practice Exam

Feudalism, which was a social and economic system that dominated medieval Europe, is not considered a major influence in shaping the 20th century. This system was characterized by a hierarchy of lords, vassals, and serfs, and it primarily existed from roughly the 9th to the 15th centuries. By the time the 20th century arrived, feudalism had largely been replaced by different political and economic structures, such as capitalism and nation-states.

In contrast, ideologies such as communism, fascism, and liberal democracy profoundly influenced global politics, society, and economies throughout the 20th century. Communism emerged as a powerful movement that sought to overthrow capitalist systems and institute classless societies, particularly impacting countries like Russia and China. Fascism rose to prominence in various parts of Europe, leading to totalitarian regimes that emphasized nationalism and authoritarian governance. Liberal democracy became the dominant political ideology in many Western countries, advocating for individual rights, civil liberties, and representative government.

Thus, feudalism's decline and eventual obsolescence make it clear that it did not play a significant role in the shaping of the 20th century, unlike the other ideologies listed, which actively contributed to major historical