The Third Order: Peasants, Free and Unfree
The social order in medieval times typically included two groups of farmers and peasants:
- Free Peasants: They owned land but worked as tenants, paying taxes to the royals. They also had to serve in the military for at least forty days. Their work included tasks like farming, winemaking, construction, etc.
- Unfree Peasants or Serfs: They worked on their owner’s land, giving all produced goods to the owner. Serfs couldn’t leave without permission and worked without pay. Their social lives, including marriage, were controlled by the nobility, and they had to pay money to the royals.
As the Roman Empire declined, the distinction between serfs and slaves blurred. Serfs were essentially bonded laborers, subject to their masters’ commands. However, as the economy developed, trade between countries became profitable. Many serfs freed themselves and started farming their own lands. Bonded labor was replaced by taxes, both direct and indirect, that the serfs had to pay.
Medieval society was structured around these two groups of peasants, with varying degrees of freedom and obligations to their lords and the crown.
The Three Orders Class 11 History Notes
During the 9th to 16th centuries, after the Roman Empire declined, Europe faced challenges like political disunity and conflict. German tribes often fought each other for control of land. To restore peace and organize society, Europeans created the Three Orders system. Over time, adjustments were made to better meet the needs of society.
The book “Feudal Society and the Idea” by Marc Bloch provides further insight into European society during this period. In this article, you will find all the important notes related to the Class 11 Chapter, “The Three Orders”, specially curated by a team of experts at w3wiki.
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