Question 1: Explain what the term 'feudalism' means and how it structured medieval society.

Answer: Feudalism was a social and economic system in medieval Europe where land was exchanged for loyalty and military service. Society was structured in a hierarchy with the king at the top, followed by nobles, knights, and peasants or serfs at the bottom.

Question 2: Describe the role and responsibilities of a lord in the feudal system.

Answer: A lord owned large areas of land, protected his vassals and peasants, collected rents or services, and provided land or protection in return for loyalty and military service.

Question 3: What was a vassal, and what duties did they owe to their lord?

Answer: A vassal was a knight or noble who pledged loyalty to a lord, providing military service and advice in exchange for land or protection.

Question 4: Identify and explain two ways in which peasants or serfs contributed to the feudal system.

Answer: Peasants or serfs worked the land, growing crops and raising animals to sustain their lord’s estate. They also paid rent or a share of their produce as a form of service.

Question 5: Draw a simple diagram illustrating the basic hierarchy of feudal society. Label each level and describe the relationships between them.

Answer: A diagram with four levels: at the top, the King; below, the Nobles/Lords; below them, Knights/Vassals; at the bottom, Peasants/Serfs. The relationships show land being held or granted from higher to lower levels, with obligations of loyalty and service flowing upward and downward.

Question 6: Describe what a manor was and why it was important in medieval society.

Answer: A manor was a large estate owned by a lord, including the lord’s house, peasant cottages, farmland, and a village. It was the economic and social center of feudal life.

Question 7: Explain how the system of land exchange helped maintain order in medieval society.

Answer: Land exchange established clear duties and loyalty between different social classes. Lords granted land to vassals in exchange for military service, creating a stable hierarchy and mutual dependence.

Question 8: Sketch a typical medieval castle or manor house. Use large, clear shapes and include key features such as walls, towers, and gates. Label three features and describe their purpose.

Answer: A large rectangular structure with towers at corners for defense, thick walls for protection, and a gatehouse as the main entrance. Towers provided lookout points, walls offered defense, and the gate controlled access.

Question 9: What were the main differences between a knight and a peasant within the feudal system?

Answer: Knights were trained warriors who served their lords and owed military service, often wearing armor and fighting in battles. Peasants were workers who farmed the land and had few rights, providing food and services.

Question 10: Assess the advantages and disadvantages of feudalism for peasants.

Answer: Advantages included protection and stability provided by their lord, and the security of working on the land. Disadvantages included limited freedom, heavy burdens of work or rent, and lack of social mobility.