Society Flashcards
(90 cards)
What was the primary structure of English society at the end of the 15th century?
The feudal system with a hierarchical structure based on land ownership and military service
Society was structured with the monarch at the top, followed by barons, knights, and peasants.
Who were at the top of the feudal system?
Great landowners and senior churchmen
They held power and land, influencing the structure of society.
What was the role of barons in the feudal system?
Barons provided military service to the king and received land in return
They were key figures in maintaining the feudal hierarchy.
What did knights owe to barons?
Homage and military service
Knights were vassals to barons and fought in their armies.
Fill in the blank: The _______ was a significant event that increased social mobility in England.
Black Death
The population was reduced by half, leading to labor shortages and changes in social dynamics.
What was the effect of the Black Death on society?
Increased social mobility and alarm among conservative upper classes
Traditional values were challenged as the labor force changed.
What were sumptuary laws?
Laws that attempted to regulate how individuals should dress based on social status
These laws were an effort by the upper classes to maintain traditional values.
True or False: The bourgeoisie became increasingly important in urban areas during the late 15th century.
True
The middle class emerged as a significant social group in cities like London, Norwich, and Bristol.
What did peasants provide to knights in the feudal system?
Labor and agricultural services
In exchange for protection, peasants worked the land given to them by knights.
Who was responsible for the rise of powerful peasants?
Economic pressures and changes in social mobility
These changes caused instability in the traditional feudal structure.
What was the relationship between the monarchy and the peerage during Henry’s reign?
The Crown relied on the peerage for political influence and support
Henry often trusted certain noble families to maintain stability.
Fill in the blank: The feudal pyramid structure includes the king, ______, knights, and peasants.
barons
Each level of the pyramid had specific responsibilities and privileges.
What was the primary role of the nobility in England during the Tudor period?
The nobility dominated landownership and exercised considerable power in their localities.
How many men typically comprised the peerage in Tudor England?
50-60 men.
What are the five ranks of the aristocracy?
- Duke
- Marquis
- Earl
- Viscount
- Baron
Was the peerage a closed caste?
No, peerage families could die out and be replaced by others who acquired the king’s favour.
What was Henry VII’s approach to creating new peerage titles?
He was reluctant to create new peerage titles, possibly due to mistrust of the nobility.
Who were the trusted military commanders under Henry VII?
- Earl of Oxford (John de Vere)
- Lord Daubeney
What role did the Earl of Northumberland play during Henry VII’s reign?
He controlled the northeast of England on behalf of the Crown.
What was Henry VII’s most important method of controlling the nobility?
Bonds and recognisances.
What term did 19th-century historians use to describe the system of retaining?
Bastard feudalism.
What was the function of retainers in the context of bastard feudalism?
Retainers served as administrators, accountants, or for military purposes.
What legislation did Henry VII use to limit the military power of the nobility?
Legislation against retaining.
True or False: Henry VII completely eliminated the use of retainers.
False; he recognized that loyal retainers were essential for the Crown’s security.
