rsonal
element which so long prevailed in the early Teutonic customs.

But in the evolution of the judicial systems of the various countries
the Teutonic element of individual liberty and individual offenses
never lost its influences. These simple elements of life indicate the
origin of popular government, individual and social liberty, and the
foundation of local self-government. Wherever the generous barbarians
have gone they have carried the torch of liberty. In Italy, Greece,
England, Germany, Spain, and the northern nations, wherever the lurid
flames of revolt against arbitrary and conventional government have
burst forth, it can be traced to the Teutonic spirit of freedom. This
was the greatest contribution of the Teutonic people to civilization.[2]

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SUBJECTS FOR FURTHER STUDY

1. The vital elements of modern civilization contributed by the
Germans.

2. Teutonic influence on Roman civilization.

3. Compare the social order of the Teutons with that of the early
Greeks.

4. Causes of the invasion of Rome by the Teutonic tribes.

5. What were the racial relations of Romans, Greeks, Germans, Celts,
and English?

6. Modern contributions to civilization by Germany.

[1] See Chapter XXI.

[2] The modern Prussian military state was a departure from the main
trend of Teutonic life. It represented a combination of later
feudalism and the Roman imperialism. It was a perversion of normal
development, a fungous growth upon institutions of freedom and justice.

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CHAPTER XVIII

FEUDAL SOCIETY

_Feudalism a Transition of Social Order_.--Feudalism represents a
change from the ancient form of imperialism to the newer forms of
European government. It arose out of the ruins of the Roman system as
an essential form of social order. It appears to be the only system
fitted to bring order out of the chaotic conditions of society, but by
the very nature of affairs it could not long continue as an established
system. It is rather surprising, indeed, that it became so universal,
for every territory in Europe was subjected to its control in a greater
or less degree. Frequently those who were forced to adopt its form
condemned its principle, and those who sought to maintain the doctrine
of Roman imperialism were subjected to its sway. The church itself,
seeking to maintain its autocracy, came into direct contact with feudal
theory and opposed it bitterly. The people who submitted t