Test on Feudalism and English Monarchy

Question 1: The Lancastrian dynasty of kings began with Henry IV's undisputed succession through the established legitimate line.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Henry IV seized the throne by force, taking Richard II prisoner and thus undermining the legitimate line of succession. This act created a key problem regarding the legitimacy for Henry IV and his Lancastrian successors.

Question 2: According to the study materials, which of the following characterized the disintegration of the feudal system during the 14th and 15th centuries?

A. The emergence of 'bastard feudalism' as described by historians like Charles Plummer and K.B. McFarlane.

B. A shift towards retaining men through personal relationships and cash payments rather than hereditary land-based agreements.

C. An increased emphasis on the lord's personal character being different in the world.

D. Formal contracts called indentures sometimes solidifying arrangements for the lifetime of the parties involved.

Explanation: The study materials state that 'During the 14th and 15th centuries, the feudal system was gradually disintegrating. This change has been described by influential historical such as Charles Plummer and K.B. McFarlane as 'bastard''. It also describes the 'new system, usually described as a system of maintenance by historians,' involving 'developing retinues or affinities based upon his personal relationship with them, and often cash payments, rather than a hereditary feudal (as based on land, formal contracts, called indentures, sometimes formalised this arrangement, which was usually for the lifetime of the two parties involved).' Option 2 mentions the lord's personal life being 'different in the world' but doesn't connect it to the disintegration of the feudal system in a meaningful way provided by the text.

Question 3: The feudal system is defined by modern historians as a social relationship between individuals of unequal social rank.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that the Feudal system is 'A name given by modern historians to the social relationship between individuals of unequal social rank'.

Question 4: The oath of fealty is an oath of loyalty taken from the monarch.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that the oath of fealty is taken by someone of lower social status, who is now of loyalty taken from the monarch, meaning loyalty is given to the monarch by a lower-status individual, not taken from the monarch by a lower-status individual.

Question 5: Beyond the social relationship between individuals of unequal social rank, modern historians include what additional element in their definition of the feudal system?

A. A system of land ownership based on military service

B. An oath of loyalty to a lord

C. A centralized monarchy with absolute power

D. The wearing of specific colors by retainers

Explanation: The study materials state: "A name given by modern historians to the social relationship between individuals of unequal social rank in early and high levels, and an oath of loyalty to a lord." This directly indicates that an oath of loyalty to a lord is part of modern historians' definition.