The End of the Feudal System

The video explores the decline of the feudal system, starting with an overview of its structure involving kings, nobles, knights, and peasants. It discusses the impact of the Crusades, where many knights died, leading to an imbalance. The Black Death further weakened the system by killing a significant portion of the population, prompting peasants to move to towns. This shift led to a change in the balance of power and a new way of thinking, questioning the church's authority. The return of knights with Eastern knowledge and the rise of universities contributed to the Renaissance, marking a shift in education and thought.

What was the primary role of knights like Sir Winston in the feudal system?

• To collect taxes

• To trade goods

• To work the land

• To fight battles

What was the traditional role of peasants like Bob in the feudal system?

• To educate the knights

• To govern lands

• To work the land and provide food

• To fight in battles

What was one of the main reasons for the decline of the feudal system during the Crusades?

• Knights became farmers

• Knights died in large numbers

• Peasants became knights

• Kings lost power

What was the excuse used by knights for participating in the Crusades?

• To take the Holy Land from Muslims

• To expand their territories

• To trade with the East

• To escape feudal duties

How did the Black Death further weaken the feudal system?

• It strengthened the church's influence

• It caused a significant population decline

• It led to more wars

• It increased the number of knights

What was a direct result of the Black Death on the population?

• Stable population levels

• Significant population decline

• Massive population growth

• Increased birth rates

What was a significant consequence of peasants moving to towns?

• The feudal system strengthened

• Towns grew larger and more influential

• Knights gained more power

• Towns became less important

What new way of thinking emerged after the Black Death?

• Return to feudal traditions

• Increased reliance on the church

• Emphasis on military power

• Focus on life and questioning the church

What did many knights bring back from the East after the Crusades?

• New architectural styles

• Exotic spices

• Eastern books and knowledge

• New farming techniques

How did the educational system change after the Crusades?

• Education was abandoned

• Universities began to grow

• Knights took over teaching

• Monks continued to dominate education