The Life of a Medieval Peasant part 1: Work and Home Life

The video explores the life of peasants in the Middle Ages, highlighting their social structure, daily routines, and the challenges they faced. Peasants were primarily agricultural laborers at the bottom of the feudal system, divided into slaves, serfs, and tenant farmers. Their lives were marked by hard labor, taxes, and poor living conditions. The Black Death brought unexpected economic benefits, allowing survivors to demand higher wages and better clothing, leading to new laws restricting their attire.

What were the three social levels among peasants in the Middle Ages?

• Slaves, serfs, and tenant farmers

• Nobles, clergy, and peasants

• Merchants, artisans, and knights

• Kings, lords, and vassals

What could cause a free man to become a serf?

• Crop failure or war

• Winning a battle

• Inheriting land

• Becoming a knight

What was a tithe that peasants had to pay?

• A tax to the church

• A tax on livestock

• A payment for protection

• A fee for using roads

What was a common feature of peasant homes in the Middle Ages?

• One or two rooms with earthen floors

• Stone walls and tiled roofs

• Central heating and plumbing

• Multiple floors and large windows

How did the Black Death affect peasants' economic status?

• It increased competition for jobs

• It led to more taxes

• It decreased their wages

• It allowed them to demand higher wages

What materials were commonly used for peasant clothing?

• Leather and fur

• Cotton and linen

• Wool and hemp

• Silk and velvet

What was the purpose of the laws passed by Edward III regarding clothing?

• To reduce taxes on clothing

• To encourage trade

• To prevent peasants from wearing luxurious fabrics

• To promote wool production