How did the lives of peasants change during the economic expansion of medieval France?

During the economic expansion of medieval France (c. 900–1300), the lives of peasants underwent significant changes driven by agricultural innovation and market growth. Improved farming techniques, such as the use of better yokes, horse collars, and more flexible crop rotation, increased productivity and allowed for better harvests. The adoption of water-powered mills and the cultivation of private gardens improved peasant diets by providing more bread and protein-rich vegetables.1

Socially, the peasantry became increasingly stratified. While outright slavery largely disappeared, many peasants remained subject to lords who extracted dues, labor services, and fees for using mills or ovens. However, a rural elite emerged—including mayors, provosts, and creditors—who possessed the resources to thrive in the prospering economy.231

Legal status also evolved; while some areas saw a renewal of serfdom influenced by Roman law, others experienced enfranchisement or the commutation of arbitrary taxes into fixed sums. Additionally, the establishment of new villages and the granting of charters of liberties provided some communities with greater autonomy during the 13th and early 14th centuries.23