Feudalism: The Structure of Medieval Society and Its Impact on Power Dynamics

Feudalism is a socio-economic and political system with distinct social classes: the king, nobles, and peasants. It is based on land ownership, where the king owns all land and distributes it to nobles, who then rent it to peasants. This system, which developed in 11th century England under William the Conqueror, was not a formal political system during the Middle Ages. Feudalism has been identified in various societies, including Rome, Japan, and the USA. It arises in the absence of organized government and involves a contractual relationship between ruler and ruled, providing military protection. In England, it was formalized into a legal system.

What are the three main social classes in a feudal society?

• King, Nobles, Peasants

• King, Merchants, Peasants

• Nobles, Merchants, Peasants

• King, Nobles, Merchants

In a feudal society, what is the basis of one's status?

• Military service

• Education

• Land ownership

• Wealth

Who was responsible for altering common law to establish feudalism in England?

• William the Conqueror

• Henry VIII

• King John

• Richard the Lionheart

What did nobles provide to their tenants in exchange for military service and produce?

• Land access

• Education

• Protection

• Gold

Which American founding father believed the United States practiced a form of feudalism?

• John Adams

• Benjamin Franklin

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

In which societies, besides Europe, has feudalism been identified?

• Egypt, Greece, Mexico

• China, India, Brazil

• Rome, Japan, United States

• Russia, Canada, Australia

Under what conditions does feudalism typically arise?

• High levels of education

• Absence of organized government and presence of violence

• Strong centralized government

• Economic prosperity

What does the ruler provide in a feudal contractual relationship?

• Military service

• Land access

• Healthcare

• Education

What is the purpose of the military force created by the feudal system?

• To expand territory

• To enforce laws

• To protect from internal and external violence

• To collect taxes

How was feudalism formalized in England?

• Via royal proclamations

• Through religious decrees

• By codifying it into law

• Through military conquest