How did war technology contribute to the decline of feudalism?

War technology significantly contributed to the decline of feudalism by shifting the nature of warfare and the power dynamics between lords and peasants. The introduction of advancements such as gunpowder, cannons, and more effective infantry weapons diminished the effectiveness of heavily armored knights and fortified castles, which were central to feudal power. As monarchs began to rely on professional standing armies instead of feudal levies, they centralized authority and reduced the influence of local lords, undermining the feudal system's hierarchical structure. Consequently, this transition fostered the rise of centralized nation-states and diminished the traditional feudal bonds between lords and vassals.