Question 1: Explain what is meant by the term 'feudal system' and describe its main purpose in medieval society.

Answer: The feudal system was a social and economic structure where land was owned by nobles and worked by peasants or serfs. Its main purpose was to organize society, provide protection, and ensure the economy through land grants and loyalty.

Question 2: Describe the role of a Lord in medieval feudal society. What responsibilities did they have?

Answer: A Lord owned large estates, offered protection to his vassals and peasants, collected taxes or rent, and maintained law and order on his land.

Question 3: Identify and explain the importance of a vassal within the feudal hierarchy.

Answer: A vassal was a noble who pledged loyalty to a Lord in exchange for land (fief). They provided military service and support, helping the Lord defend the estate.

Question 4: List three obligations that a serf or peasant had towards their Lord.

Answer: Serfs had to work the land, pay rent or taxes, and provide a certain number of days of labor or military service when required.

Question 5: Explain the significance of the manor in feudal society.

Answer: The manor was the estate controlled by a Lord, serving as the economic and social center. It included the Lord’s house, peasant villages, farmland, and needed for local administration and protection.

Question 6: Draw a simple diagram illustrating the basic hierarchy of feudal society, including at least four levels. Label each level clearly.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a pyramid or hierarchical structure with at least four levels: King at the top, then Lords, then Vassals, and Peasants/Serfs at the bottom.

Question 7: Describe how land was exchanged or given in the feudal system. Why was land so important?

Answer: Land was exchanged as grants or fiefs from Lords to vassals in return for loyalty and military service. Land was important because it provided wealth, food, and power.

Question 8: What was the main duty of knights within the feudal system?

Answer: Knights were warriors who fought for their Lord when called upon, defending the land and maintaining order.

Question 9: Identify two ways in which the feudal system affected everyday life for peasants.

Answer: Peasants worked the land to produce food and paid taxes or rent to their Lord, which limited their freedom but provided them protection and a place to live.

Question 10: Sketch a typical medieval manor, including the main features such as the Lord’s house, farmland, and peasant dwellings.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a central large house (the manor house), surrounded by farmland, a village with peasant cottages, and possibly a church or mill.