Question 1: Define the term 'feudalism' and explain its significance in medieval England.

Answer: Feudalism was a social and economic system where land was granted by lords to vassals in exchange for loyalty and military service. It structured medieval society and determined people's roles and obligations.

Question 2: Describe the role of a lord in 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 ruler of his manor.

Question 3: Explain what a vassal was and what responsibilities they had towards their lord.

Answer: A vassal was a person who pledged loyalty to a lord in exchange for land. Their responsibilities included providing military service, advice, and support when needed.

Question 4: Describe the typical duties of peasants or serfs working on a manor.

Answer: Peasants or serfs worked the lord's land, farmed crops, tended animals, and maintained the estate. They owed part of their produce as rent and had limited rights.

Question 5: Draw a simple diagram showing the hierarchy of feudal society in medieval England. Label the different levels and include a brief description of each.

Answer: A correct sketch would include the King at the top, followed by nobles/lords, then vassals/knights, and peasants/serfs at the bottom. Each level should be labeled with a short description of their role.

Question 6: Explain how land was exchanged between different levels of the feudal hierarchy.

Answer: Lords granted land (fiefs) to vassals in return for loyalty and service. Vassals could grant parts of their land to knights or peasants, creating a layered system of landholding.

Question 7: Identify two reasons why feudalism was important to medieval society.

Answer: It provided stability and order by organizing society into clear roles and responsibilities. It also ensured mutual protection and support among different social classes.

Question 8: Describe what a manor was and its importance in the feudal system.

Answer: A manor was the estate of a lord, including the lord's house, farmland, and villages. It was the economic and social center of feudal life.

Question 9: Discuss the reasons why peasants or serfs had limited freedom in medieval society.

Answer: Serfs were bound to the land and could not leave without the lord’s permission. They depended on the lord for protection and livelihood, which limited their personal freedom.

Question 10: Reflect on how the feudal system affected the daily lives of ordinary people in medieval England.

Answer: It shaped their daily routines around farming and the obligations to their lords. Their rights were limited, but the system provided protection and a sense of order.