The Decline of Feudalism

What was one major political change in England that contributed to the decline of feudalism?

• The signing of the Magna Carta

• The expansion of feudal estates

• The rise of feudal lords’ power

• The abolishment of the monarchy

What was the Magna Carta?

• A law that required all peasants to serve in the military

• A written agreement that limited the king’s power

• A document increasing the power of the Catholic Church

• A treaty between England and France

Which English king signed the Magna Carta?

• King Henry II

• King Edward I

• King John

• King Richard III

How did the Magna Carta help lead to the decline of feudalism?

• It gave more power to the nobles and common people

• It strengthened the absolute power of the king

• It made feudal lords more powerful than ever

• It eliminated common law in England

What major event in the 1300s greatly reduced Europe’s population?

• The Hundred Years’ War

• The Crusades

• The Bubonic Plague

• The signing of the Magna Carta

How was the bubonic plague primarily spread?

• Contaminated food and water

• Fleas carried by rats

• Airborne bacteria

• Direct human contact

Why did the bubonic plague weaken feudalism?

• It led to a rise in trade and economic growth

• It decreased the need for labor, reducing the power of peasants

• It killed so many workers that surviving peasants could demand higher wages and more rights

• It made feudal lords wealthier than ever

What was one consequence of the Black Death?

• Increased power of feudal lords

• Peasant revolts across Europe

• Greater influence of the Catholic Church

• A decrease in trade restrictions

What was the primary reason for the Hundred Years’ War?

• A dispute over trade routes

• A religious conflict between Protestants and Catholics

• A battle for control over French land

• A war between feudal lords and serfs

How did the Hundred Years’ War contribute to the decline of feudalism?

• It increased the power of feudal lords

• It led to stronger monarchs and national armies

• It strengthened the influence of the Catholic Church

• It made feudal knights more important