Question 1: When did William the Conqueror invade England, marking the start of Norman rule?

Answer: 1066

Question 2: Who was at the top of the feudal hierarchy in Norman England?

Answer: The King

Question 3: Describe the term 'vassal' in the context of the feudal system.

Answer: A vassal was a noble who pledged loyalty to a lord in exchange for land or protection.

Question 4: What was the primary purpose of the Domesday Book of 1086?

Answer: To assess landholdings and resources for taxation

Question 5: Who held land directly from the King in the feudal hierarchy?

Answer: The Barons or Lords

Question 1: Source: 'In the Norman system, the king grants land to his nobles in exchange for military service.' What is the purpose of this source? How does it help you understand the feudal system?

Answer: This source explains the relationship between the king and nobles, highlighting land grants and military service as a key part of feudal loyalty.

Question 2: Source: 'Peasants work the land and owe labor and a share of produce to their lord.' Who is the intended audience for this source, and how reliable is it as a description of peasant life?

Answer: The audience could be students or historians; it is generally reliable as it reflects typical peasant obligations, though it may oversimplify the peasant experience.

Question 3: Evaluate the bias in this source: 'The Norman lords are just and fair rulers who protect their vassals.'

Answer: This source is biased in favor of the Norman lords, portraying them positively and possibly ignoring the hardships faced by vassals.

Question 1: Explain why William the Conqueror implemented the Feudal System in Norman England.

Answer: William introduced the feudal system to establish control over England, reward his supporters with land, and secure loyalty through a hierarchical structure based on landholding and military service.

Question 2: Describe how the feudal hierarchy maintained order and loyalty in Norman England.

Answer: The hierarchy created a system of mutual obligations: the king granted land to nobles, who in turn granted land to knights and peasants, ensuring loyalty and military support at each level.

Question 3: Explain the significance of the Domesday Book to the Norman rulers.

Answer: The Domesday Book allowed the Normans to assess landholdings, resources, and population, helping them to efficiently tax and control their new kingdom.

Question 1: To what extent did the feudal system strengthen Norman control over England after 1066?

Answer: The feudal system strengthened Norman control by creating a clear hierarchy of loyalty, rewarding supporters with land, and establishing a military and administrative structure. However, some peasants and sub-vassals may have experienced hardship, and local resistance could still occur. Overall, it was a crucial tool for consolidating Norman rule, but not without challenges.