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# Feudal Anarchy

## Definition

The period of political disorder following the fall of the Roman Empire characterized by the absence of centralized authority, resulting in local lords exercising judicial, legislative, and military powers over their territories and tenants.

## Source Chapter

Book III, Chapter 2

## Context

Smith uses this historical context to explain the emergence of primogeniture and entails, arguing that during this period landed estates functioned as miniature principalities requiring undivided inheritance to maintain their defensive capabilities and political influence against neighboring lords and external threats.

## Economic Domain

General Theory

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