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What was the primary way that lords granted power to vassals?
What was the primary way that lords granted power to vassals?
What was the primary responsibility of a vassal to their lord?
What was the primary responsibility of a vassal to their lord?
What was the result of feudalism on medieval society?
What was the result of feudalism on medieval society?
What was a key characteristic of the feudal system?
What was a key characteristic of the feudal system?
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What was the social hierarchy of the feudal system like?
What was the social hierarchy of the feudal system like?
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What was the primary role of a lord in the feudal system?
What was the primary role of a lord in the feudal system?
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What was the result of the feudal system on social mobility?
What was the result of the feudal system on social mobility?
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What was the primary economic system of the feudal period?
What was the primary economic system of the feudal period?
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What was the impact of feudalism on medieval culture?
What was the impact of feudalism on medieval culture?
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What was the role of homage in the feudal system?
What was the role of homage in the feudal system?
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Study Notes
Feudalism
Definition
- A decentralized system of government and social hierarchy that emerged in Europe during the Middle Ages
- Characterized by a network of obligations and dependencies between lords and vassals
Key Components
- Lord: A noble who owned land and held power
- Vassal: A lesser noble who received land and protection from a lord in exchange for loyalty and military service
- Fief: A parcel of land granted to a vassal by a lord
- Homage: An oath of loyalty sworn by a vassal to a lord
How it Worked
- Lords granted land: Lords granted fiefs to vassals in exchange for loyalty and military service.
- Vassals provided service: Vassals provided military service, counsel, and other forms of support to their lords.
- Lords protected vassals: Lords protected their vassals and their lands from external threats.
- Vassals owed loyalty: Vassals owed loyalty to their lords and were expected to provide service when called upon.
Characteristics
- Decentralized power: Power was decentralized, with lords and vassals holding significant autonomy
- Social hierarchy: A strict social hierarchy existed, with lords at the top and vassals below
- Economic system: The feudal system was based on a system of obligations and dependencies, rather than a monetary economy
Impact on Medieval Society
- Stabilized society: Feudalism helped to stabilize medieval society by providing a system of order and protection
- Limited social mobility: Feudalism limited social mobility, as individuals were born into their stations and were expected to remain there
- Shaped medieval culture: Feudalism shaped medieval culture, influencing the development of chivalry, heraldry, and other cultural institutions
Feudalism
Definition
- A decentralized system of government and social hierarchy that emerged in Europe during the Middle Ages
- Characterized by a network of obligations and dependencies between lords and vassals
Key Components
- Lord: A noble who owned land and held power
- Vassal: A lesser noble who received land and protection from a lord in exchange for loyalty and military service
- Fief: A parcel of land granted to a vassal by a lord
- Homage: An oath of loyalty sworn by a vassal to a lord
How it Worked
- Lords granted land to vassals in exchange for loyalty and military service
- Vassals provided military service, counsel, and other forms of support to their lords
- Lords protected vassals and their lands from external threats
- Vassals owed loyalty to their lords and were expected to provide service when called upon
Characteristics
- Decentralized power: Power was decentralized, with lords and vassals holding significant autonomy
- Social hierarchy: A strict social hierarchy existed, with lords at the top and vassals below
- Economic system: The feudal system was based on a system of obligations and dependencies, rather than a monetary economy
Impact on Medieval Society
- Stabilized society: Feudalism helped to stabilize medieval society by providing a system of order and protection
- Limited social mobility: Feudalism limited social mobility, as individuals were born into their stations and were expected to remain there
- Shaped medieval culture: Feudalism shaped medieval culture, influencing the development of chivalry, heraldry, and other cultural institutions
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Description
This quiz covers the definition and key components of feudalism, a decentralized system of government and social hierarchy in Europe during the Middle Ages. Learn about lords, vassals, fiefs, and homage.
