java.lang.ClassNotFoundException: org.springframework.web.context.ContextLoaderListener
I had a similar problem when running a spring web application in an Eclipse managed tomcat. I solved this problem by adding maven dependencies in the project's web deployment assembly. 1) Open the project's properties (e.g., right-click on the project's name in the project explorer and select "Properties") 2) select "Deployment Assembly" 3) Click the "Add..." button on the right margin 4) Select "Java Build Path Entries" from the menu of Directive Type and click "Next" 5) Select "Maven Dependencies" from the Java Build Path Entries menu and click "Finish". You should see "Maven Dependencies" added to the Web Deployment Assembly definition.