History The Feudal System Questions Medium
In the Feudal System, peasants were at the bottom of the social hierarchy and had specific rights and obligations.
Rights:
1. Protection: Peasants had the right to be protected by their lord, who was responsible for ensuring their safety and security.
2. Land: Peasants were granted the right to cultivate and work on a portion of the lord's land, known as a manor. This allowed them to sustain themselves and their families.
3. Use of Common Resources: Peasants had access to common resources such as forests, rivers, and pastures, which they could use for their daily needs like gathering firewood or grazing their livestock.
Obligations:
1. Labor Services: Peasants were obligated to provide labor services to their lord, which typically included working on the lord's land for a certain number of days each week. This labor, known as "corvée," involved tasks like plowing, planting, and harvesting crops.
2. Rent: Peasants were required to pay rent to their lord, usually in the form of a portion of their crops or livestock. This rent, known as "feudal dues," ensured that the lord received a share of the peasant's agricultural production.
3. Military Service: In times of war, peasants were obligated to serve in the lord's army or provide military support, such as supplying soldiers or weapons. This obligation was known as "military service" and was crucial for the lord's defense and protection.
Overall, the rights of peasants in the Feudal System were limited, and their obligations to their lord were significant. They were tied to the land and had to provide labor, rent, and military service in exchange for protection and the right to cultivate the land.