Following the Norman Conquest and the subsequent recording of land in the Domesday Book, the feudal system was established as a rigid social structure. How did this hierarchy use land distribution to ensure the King maintained a permanent and reliable military force?
- The King granted large areas of land to his noblemen, who in exchange were obligated to provide him with a specific number of knights for military service.Answer
- BThe King allowed knights to purchase land directly from him, using the proceeds to hire a professional army of foreign mercenaries.
- CLand was divided equally among all inhabitants, and the Domesday Book served as a registry to ensure every citizen had a weapon for the kingdom's defense.
- DThe Domesday Book confirmed that all land remained under the ownership of local Anglo-Saxon leaders, provided they agreed to fight for the Normans when asked.
Answer
The King granted land to noblemen (tenants-in-chief) on the condition that they provide military service and knights to the royal army.
The correct answer accurately identifies the core mechanism of the feudal system: the exchange of land for military service. The King sat at the top of the pyramid, granting land to lords who then provided knights and resources for defense.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The Feudal Hierarchy and Land Tenure
Practice More
Review the specific roles of serfs and peasants at the base of the feudal pyramid to understand the economic side of this hierarchy.
Estimated Time:1m 30s