Feudal monarchs were able to exert power and control over peasants through a system known as feudalism. This system operated on the principle of a hierarchical relationship between the monarch, lords, and peasants, where each party had specific rights and responsibilities.
One way in which feudal monarchs controlled peasants was by providing them with protection and land. During the medieval period, there was a lack of centralized government and widespread instability. Peasants, who were often at risk from external threats such as invasions or bandits, sought the protection of the local lords or nobles. In exchange for this protection, peasants were obligated to work the lord's land and render various services, such as military support when required.
Feudal monarchs also exerted control by allowing peasants to avoid working on Catholic Church lands. During the medieval period, the Catholic Church owned vast expanses of land, and peasants were often subjected to labor obligations on these properties. However, feudal monarchs, through their authority, could grant certain privileges or exemptions to the peasants, thereby enabling them to work solely on the lords' land and not the Church's.
Furthermore, peasants received tithes in return for working the lord's land. Tithes were a form of tribute or payment made by peasants to the lord, usually consisting of a portion of the agricultural produce or goods produced on the land. This tribute played a crucial role in solidifying the power of feudal monarchs as it allowed for a steady flow of resources and wealth from the peasantry to the lords.
Lastly, the agreement between peasants and lords often included the right for peasants to fish and hunt on the lord's land or manor. This allowed peasants to supplement their diet by gathering food from the local rivers, forests, or hunting grounds, in addition to their agricultural activities. The lord granted such privileges to maintain loyalty and keep the peasants contented, reinforcing their dependence on the lord.
Overall, feudal monarchs were able to exert power and control over peasants by providing protection, land, and various rights in exchange for labor, tithes, and other obligations. The system of feudalism created a symbiotic relationship between the monarchy and the peasants, where each party benefited while reinforcing the power dynamics of the feudal society.