Question 1: Define the term 'feudalism' and explain its main purpose in medieval Europe.

Answer: Feudalism was a social and economic system in medieval Europe where land was exchanged for loyalty and military service. Its main purpose was to organize society and provide protection and stability.

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

Answer: A lord owned large amounts of land, protected his vassals and peasants, and provided land or protection in exchange for loyalty and service.

Question 3: Explain what a vassal was and what obligations they had to their lord.

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

Question 4: Describe the life of a peasant or serf on a medieval manor.

Answer: Peasants or serfs worked the lord’s land, grew crops, and paid rent or taxes. They had limited freedom and were bound to the land they worked on.

Question 5: List three features that would typically be found on a medieval manor.

Answer: A manor house, a church, peasant cottages, farmland, and a mill.

Question 6: Explain the significance of the manor system in medieval society.

Answer: The manor system structured medieval life by organizing land, work, and social hierarchy, providing protection and economic stability within the feudal system.

Question 7: Draw a simple diagram to show the hierarchy of feudal society, including at least four levels.

Answer: A diagram with the King at the top, followed by the nobles/lords, then vassals/knights, and peasants/serfs at the bottom.

Question 8: Describe two ways in which a medieval lord would protect his vassals and peasants.

Answer: By providing military defense and ensuring law and order within their land.

Question 9: Compare the roles of a knight and a peasant in the feudal system.

Answer: A knight was a trained soldier who served the lord and protected the land, while a peasant worked the land and provided food and services.

Question 10: Identify one reason why feudalism was an effective system for medieval Europe.

Answer: It provided a structured way to organize society and ensure protection and stability during uncertain times.

Question 11: Write a short paragraph explaining how the system of land exchange helped maintain order in medieval society.

Answer: Land exchange created bonds of loyalty between lords and vassals, ensuring that each fulfilled their obligations. This system promoted stability, protection, and a clear social hierarchy, which helped maintain order.