Explain how feudal monarchs were able to exert power and control over peasants.
. Peasants needed protection and land, which the lords provided.
Peasants received tithes in return for working the lords’ land.
Their agreement allowed peasants to avoid working on Catholic Church lands.
Their agreement allowed peasants to fish and hunt on the manor
Feudal monarchs were able to exert power and control over peasants through various means. One of the primary ways was by providing protection and land to the peasants. During the feudal system, the monarchs granted land to their loyal lords, who in turn provided protection to the peasants living on that land. This protection was crucial in an era marked by constant threats of invasions and conflicts. The peasants relied on the lords for defense against external threats, and in return, they pledged their loyalty and service to the lord.
An essential aspect of the feudal agreement between lords and peasants was the system of tithes. Peasants would work the lord's land and dedicate a portion of their agricultural produce as tithes, which were essentially taxes paid to the lord. These tithes served as a form of tribute to the lord and ensured the loyalty and obedience of the peasants. The lord could assert control over the peasants by regulating the amount of tithes expected and punishing those who failed to meet the obligations.
Additionally, the agreement between lords and peasants allowed the latter to avoid working on the lands owned by the Catholic Church. The Church held significant power and influence during the feudal period, and by exempting peasants from working on Church lands, the lords secured the peasants' allegiance to themselves rather than the Church. This further consolidated the lord's authority over the peasants.
Finally, the agreement between lords and peasants often included specific rights for the peasants, such as the ability to fish and hunt on the lord's manor. This provision allowed the peasants to supplement their diet and livelihood by utilizing natural resources from the lord's land. While this may seem like a concession, it was another way for the lords to exert control over the peasants. By granting them limited rights, the lords maintained a level of dependency and ensured that the peasants did not seek alternative ways of sustenance or challenge their authority.
In summary, feudal monarchs exerted power and control over peasants through protection, land grants, and the collection of tithes. The agreements between lords and peasants also ensured their loyalty, exempted them from working on Church lands, and regulated their access to resources such as fishing and hunting. Through these mechanisms, feudal monarchs maintained their authority and control over the peasant population.