Year 7 - History
The decline of the feudal system
The Peasants' Revolt: why do historians disagree about its causes?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about the differing interpretations that exist regarding the causes of the Peasants' Revolt. They will examine the impact of the Black Death on England alongside the short-term causes of the uprising.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe different historical interpretations relating to the decline of the feudal system.
Key Notes
- Peasants were a social group with no wealth or property rights under the feudal system.
- The feudal system was showing signs of weakness before 1348.
- Some historians argue lords reimposed feudalism after 1351.
- Some historians argue lords were incapable of reimposing feudalism after 1351.
Vocabulary To Learn
- feudal system: the system of landholding introduced by William the Conqueror
- tenant: a person who occupies or looks after property owned by another
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Medieval people called their social system 'the feudal system'.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
Peasants were a social group with no wealth or property rights under the feudal system. The feudal system was showing signs of weakness before 1348.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'feudal system'
the system of landholding introduced by William the Conqueror.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Medieval people called their social system 'the feudal system'. Correction: In fact, the term feudal system or feudalism did not start to be used until the 17th century.
More Lessons In This Unit
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