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Medieval Essay. “In 12th Century Scotland and England, the strengths of the Feudal System considerably outweighed its weaknesses.” How accurate is this view?. The King . Benefits . The feudal structure placed the King firmly in control of the realm – Argument
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Medieval Essay “In 12th Century Scotland and England, the strengths of the Feudal System considerably outweighed its weaknesses.” How accurate is this view?
The King Benefits • The feudal structure placed the King firmly in control of the realm – Argument • The King could also use judicial rights as a form of patronage - KU • Through the oath of fealty he controlled the Barons – KU • The King was the supreme judge within the realm so had ultimate power- KU • The King was capable of increasing his own revenue through the feudal system - KU You will want to use 2 benefits to back up your argument
Weaknesses The King • The King had to depend on the loyalty of those below him – Argument • If his Barons were to rebel then many of the advantages the King enjoyed would cease to be– KU • Young Henry and Richard revolted against their father (Henry 2nd) - KU Overall the Strengths of the Feudal system outweighed its weaknesses for the King You will want to use 1 weakness to back up your argument
Benefits The Nobles/Barons • The Barons could exploit their land in the same way that the king did, but on a smaller scale – Argument • Lands received gave Barons/Nobles privileges that led to wealth – KU • These privileges gave Barons/Nobles judicial control, the right to bear arms, build castles and hold tournaments etc - KU You will want to use 2 benefits to back up your argument
Weaknesses The Nobles/Barons • As with the King the Barons/Nobles had to rely on the loyalty of their tenants – Argument • They were required to perform 40 days of military service for the King – KU • The ability to summon an army could be inconvenient or dangerous - KU Overall the Strengths of the Feudal system outweighed its weaknesses for the King You will want to use 1 weakness to back up your argument
The Church Benefits • In England the church was considered part of the feudal structure and thus benefited from grants of land from the King- Argument • This increased its wealth – KU • Some of the feudal incidents were irrelevant - KU • It never had to pay relief’s (inheritance tax) as it never died - KU You will want to use 2 benefits to back up your argument
Weaknesses The Church • It was considered part of the feudal structure – Argument • Liable for military service - KU • Had to pay/raise levies to/for the King – KU You can make your own mind up here, do the benefits outweigh the weakness? You will want to use 1 weakness to back up your argument