Why did William introduce the Feudal System?

• A. To centralize religious control
• B. To ensure loyalty by granting land to loyal followers
• C. To promote free trade
• D. To reduce taxation

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is how William used the feudal system to secure his grip on England by tying land to loyalty and service. After 1066 he needed a reliable way to control a conquered realm, and turning land into a network of obligations achieved that. By granting land to trusted Norman followers in exchange for oaths of loyalty and military support, the king created a direct, personal link between himself and his key supporters. This made it easier to raise troops, collect resources, and enforce authority across the country. It also shifted landholding from the Anglo-Saxon system to Norman nobles held directly from the crown, strengthening royal control.

Religious control wasn’t the aim of this system, and the feudal arrangement isn’t about promoting free trade. It generally bound people to their lord and locality, not encourage broader commerce. Nor was it designed to reduce taxation; the feudal dues and obligations often increased the financial demands on those beneath the king.