Question 1: Define feudalism and explain why it was important in medieval Europe.

Answer: Feudalism was a social and economic system where land was owned by lords and worked by vassals and peasants. It was important because it structured medieval society, providing protection and order after the fall of the Roman Empire.

Question 2: Describe the role of a lord within the feudal system.

Answer: A lord owned large areas of land, provided protection to his vassals and peasants, and received services or payments in return. He was the top authority in his estate.

Question 3: Explain the responsibilities of a vassal to their lord.

Answer: A vassal pledged loyalty and military service to their lord, in exchange for land or protection. They also had to provide advice and support when needed.

Question 4: Identify three types of people who lived on a medieval manor and describe their roles.

Answer: The lord or noble who owned the estate; peasants or serfs who worked the land; and craftsmen or traders who produced goods and traded within the manor.

Question 5: Describe the typical daily life of a peasant living on a medieval manor.

Answer: Peasants worked long hours planting and harvesting crops, caring for animals, and maintaining the land. They had simple diets, wore rough clothing, and followed the lord’s rules.

Question 6: Draw a sketch of a typical medieval manor layout, including the main features such as the lord’s house, the church, and the peasant cottages.

Answer: A correct sketch should show a central manor house, a small church nearby, and clusters of simple cottages for peasants, all enclosed within a protective fence or wall.

Question 7: Explain how the feudal system provided security during medieval times.

Answer: The system created mutual obligations: lords protected their vassals and peasants, who in return provided military service, creating a stable social order and defense against invaders.

Question 8: List two reasons why feudalism declined in later medieval Europe.

Answer: The growth of towns and trade reduced the importance of land-based wealth, and the central governments gained power, reducing the influence of local lords.

Question 9: Compare the roles of nobles and peasants in the feudal system.

Answer: Nobles owned land, held political power, and provided protection; peasants worked the land, produced food, and served the nobles, with fewer rights and protections.

Question 10: Imagine you are a medieval peasant. Write a short paragraph describing your life and what you hope for the future.

Answer: A suitable paragraph would describe daily chores, living conditions, and aspirations for a better life, such as more freedom or better protection. It should reflect understanding of peasant life.