Explain how feudal monarchs were able to exert power and control over peasants. Peasants received tithes in return for working the lords land Their agreement allowed peasants to fish and hunt on the manor Peasants needed protection and land, which the lords provided Their agreement allowed peasants to avoid working on Catholic Church lands
Feudal monarchs exerted power and control over peasants through a variety of mechanisms. One way was through the economic system of feudalism, in which peasants worked the lord's land in exchange for various obligations and privileges.
Peasants received tithes, a portion of their agricultural produce, as a form of payment for their labor. This ensured that the lord received a steady supply of food and resources, while the peasants were able to sustain themselves and their families. By controlling access to land and resources, the monarchs could dictate the terms of this arrangement and maintain their authority.
Additionally, the lords allowed peasants to engage in activities such as fishing and hunting on the manor. This concession provided peasants with an additional means of sustenance and autonomy, while still operating within the framework and control of the lord's estate. By granting these privileges, the monarchs maintained the loyalty of the peasants and ensured their dependence on the lord's protection and resources.
Protection was a vital aspect of this relationship. Peasants often faced threats from external forces, such as raiders or rival lords, and relied on their lord for defense. By providing protection, the feudal monarchs solidified their role as the ultimate authority figure and reinforced their control over the peasants.
Lastly, the agreement between the peasants and the lords allowed the former to avoid working on Catholic Church lands, as the Church was a significant landowner during this period. By offering an alternative livelihood on the lord's land, the monarchs ensured that the peasants did not become fully subjected to the power and influence of the Church. This further strengthened the monarch's control over the peasantry.
Overall, through their control over land, resources, and protection, feudal monarchs were able to exert power and control over peasants. The feudal system provided a framework in which both parties had mutual obligations and privileges, but ultimately the monarchs held the upper hand in terms of control and authority.