Middle Ages Regents Practice

The term feudalism is best defined as?

1. A holy war between Christians and Muslims

2. A process of trading goods

3. A division of political power

4. A system exchanging land for military service

The correct answer is: A system exchanging land for military service

The term feudalism is best defined as a system exchanging land for military service because it highlights the core relationship that characterized this political and social system during the Middle Ages. In feudal societies, landownership was closely tied to the obligations of vassals to provide military support to their lords. Lords granted portions of their land, known as fiefs, to vassals in exchange for loyalty and military service. This created a hierarchical structure where power and land were interlinked, forming the basis of political authority and social organization during this time period. The other options describe aspects of medieval life but do not accurately capture the essence of feudalism. While the Crusades represent religious conflicts and their connection to broader historical processes, they do not define the political structure of feudalism. Similarly, trading goods pertains more to economic practices rather than the political relationships embedded in the feudal system. Lastly, while there is a division of political power in feudalism, this is not its defining feature; the system's foundation lies primarily in the reciprocal duties between lords and vassals centered on land and military obligations.