As nouns the difference between despotism and feudalism
is that despotism is government by a singular authority, either a single person or tight-knit group, which rules with absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way while feudalism is a social system based on personal ownership of resources and personal fealty between a suzerain (lord) and a vassal (subject) defining characteristics are direct ownership of resources, personal loyalty, and a hierarchical social structure reinforced by religion.
despotism
English
Noun
(
en noun)
government by a singular authority, either a single person or tight-knit group, which rules with absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way.
Synonyms
* tyranny
Related terms
* despot
* despotate
* despotic
feudalism
Noun
A social system based on personal ownership of resources and personal fealty between a suzerain (lord) and a vassal (subject). Defining characteristics are direct ownership of resources, personal loyalty, and a hierarchical social structure reinforced by religion.
Related terms
* feudal
* feudalistic
See also
* capitalism
* communism
* monarchy
* peasant
* serf
* suzerain
* vassal