Test prep

Test Preparation

Learning Outcome

  • Prepare for the test scheduled for next Wednesday.

Starter Activity

  • Review keywords related to the topics.

  • Be prepared to participate in the keywords game.

Revision Topics

  • The Feudal System

  • William the Conqueror

Important Keywords

  • Vassal

  • Homage

  • Tenants-in-chief

  • Forfeiture

  • Villeins

  • Feudal

  • 40 days' service system

  • Archbishop

  • Barons

  • William the Conqueror

The Feudal System

Structure

  • King: Highest authority; all land belonged to him.

  • Tenants-in-chief: Barons, bishops, and abbots; granted land and military service.

  • Knights (Under-tenants): Provided military service in exchange for land.

  • Peasants: Worked the land; included freemen and villeins.

Function

  • King granted land in exchange for loyalty and military service.

  • Tenants-in-chief distributed land to knights.

  • Knights were responsible for providing protection and military support.

  • Peasants worked on the land, paying taxes and providing labor, often bound by servitude.

Forfeiture

  • Definition: Punishment for not adhering to the Feudal system; loss of land and titles.

Characteristics of Successful Medieval Kingship

  • Intelligence

  • Bravery

  • Military Skill

  • Support from Others

  • Forward Planning

  • Hereditary Right

  • Luck

  • Ruthlessness

William the Conqueror: A Controversial King

Reasons for Controversy

  1. Ascension to the Throne

    • Positive View: Promised the throne by Edward the Confessor; led a successful invasion.

    • Negative View: Did not possess a strong claim; was a distant relative and not Saxon.

  2. Treatment of the People

    • Positive View: Organized England under the Feudal system; conducted the Domesday survey.

    • Negative View: Harsh towards non-loyal Saxons; destroyed communities in pursuit of power.

Positive Contributions

  • Implemented the Feudal system effectively; rewarded loyal Saxons with land.

  • Improved tax collection through the Domesday survey.

  • Established fortifications across England for defense.

Negative Actions

  • Used violence against Saxon villages; harsh penalties for disloyalty.

  • Caused suffering among the population, especially in Northern England.

Analyzing Historical Sources

Approach

  • Read/observe details carefully.

  • Annotate high points of importance.

  • Relate information to known historical context.

  • Assess the content, nature, origin, and purpose of the sources.

Document Characteristics

  • Type of document

  • Date and location of origin

  • Author and intent behind creation

Comparison Questions

Guidelines

  1. Compare two sources, identifying agreements and disagreements.

  2. Base responses on textual evidence and personal knowledge.

Structuring Responses

  • Start paragraphs using question wording.

  • Include quotations to support each point.

  • Develop arguments with personal insights.

  • Conclude with an overall comparison.

Example Paragraphs

Similarities/Agreements Example

  • Agreement Statement: Both sources agree on William's strength and violent tendencies.

  • Quote from Source A: "He loved to hunt for stags and boars."

  • Quote from Source B: "Never refuse to do anything on account of the work or danger involved."

  • Own Knowledge Inclusion: William's victorious tactics in battle further highlight his undeniable strength and aggression.

Differences/Disagreements Example

  • Disagreement Statement: The sources diverge on opinions of William's character.

  • Quote from Source A: "The king raised castles and crushed the poor."

  • Quote from Source B: "This king was the greatest in spirit…"

  • Own Knowledge Inclusion: These contrasting views stem from their differing backgrounds and experiences.

Conclusion Example

  • The disagreement arises from the authors' backgrounds; Source A reflects the anger of the Anglo-Saxons, while Source B acknowledges positive contributions from a Norman perspective.