Lynn White’s book, “Medieval Technology and Social Change,” highlights the role of technology in shaping society. One such example is the stirrup and heavy-armored knight, which led to the emergence of the feudal system. The stirrup enabled the knight to mount his horse and ride in full armor, making him a formidable force in battle. However, the cost of this equipment was so high that a cooperative feudal system came into existence to pay for it.

The heavy-armored knight was a significant military asset during the medieval period. He was able to charge into battle with a lance and knock his opponent off their horse, thanks to the stability provided by the stirrup. The weight of the armor also provided protection, allowing the knight to withstand attacks from arrows and other weapons. However, the cost of equipping a knight with armor, a horse, and a weapon was so high that only the wealthy could afford it. This led to the emergence of a cooperative feudal system, where the lord provided the equipment and the knight provided military service in return.

This cooperative feudal system had significant social and political implications. The lord was able to maintain control over his land and subjects by providing protection in exchange for loyalty and service. The knights, in turn, were able to maintain their status as elite warriors and gain social prestige. However, this system also created a hierarchical society, where the wealthy and powerful had more influence than the common people.

The emergence of gunpowder and ordnance during the Renaissance period marked the end of the military role of the knight. The introduction of firearms and artillery made heavy armor obsolete, as it was no longer effective against these weapons. The emphasis shifted from individual warriors to organized armies, where infantry soldiers armed with firearms became the dominant force in battle. This shift also marked a return to the pedestrian burghers, who were able to contribute to the military effort with their firearms, rather than being excluded from combat due to their lack of wealth.

The decline of the heavy-armored knight had significant social and political implications. The feudal system became less relevant, as the role of the individual warrior in battle diminished. This led to a shift in power from the feudal lords to the centralizing monarchs, who were able to build and maintain standing armies. The rise of the burghers also had significant implications for the emergence of the modern capitalist economy, as they were able to accumulate wealth through trade and commerce.

In conclusion, Lynn White’s story of the stirrup and heavy-armored knight highlights the role of technology in shaping society. The cost of equipping a knight with armor, a horse, and a weapon led to the emergence of the cooperative feudal system. However, the introduction of gunpowder and ordnance made heavy armor obsolete, and led to the decline of the knight and the feudal system. This shift had significant social and political implications, including the rise of the burghers and the emergence of the modern capitalist economy.