The primary reason for the decline of feudalism in Europe was the rise of centralized monarchies and the emergence of a market economy. Various factors contributed to this shift, including the growth of trade and towns, which increased economic activity beyond the feudal system's agrarian focus. The Black Death also played a crucial role, as it significantly reduced the population, leading to labor shortages and giving peasants more bargaining power. Additionally, the development of new technological advancements in agriculture and warfare diminished the influence of feudal lords. As a result, these changes gradually weakened feudal relationships and facilitated the movement toward modern nation-states.