What was the primary obligation of peasants under the feudal system?

• A. They had many rights and owned the land
• B. They were the bottom class with few rights and farmed the land paying rent
• C. They led armed forces
• D. They held high political power

Answer: (B)

In feudal England, the relationship between a lord and his peasants centered on land and service. The peasants were the lowest class in the hierarchy and did not own the land they worked. Their primary obligation was to farm the lord’s lands and produce the crops that funded the manor, in return for protection and the right to work the demesne. This work was often paid for through rent in produce or through agreed labor services. Because land ownership stayed with the lord, peasants had limited personal rights and little political influence. The other ideas don’t fit the system: peasants did not have broad rights or own land, they did not lead armed forces, and they did not hold high political power.