Name______________________
Date:___________________
Maintaining Power - Feudal Relationships:
Name________________________
Comparing Oaths
The Canadian Oath of Citizenship
I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth
the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the
laws of Canada and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.
A Vassal’s Oath of Allegiance.
Thus shall one take the oath of fidelity: By the Lord before whom this sanctuary is holy, I will to
be true and faithful, and love all which he loves and shun all which he shuns, according to the
laws of God and the order of the world. Nor will I ever with will or action, through word or deed,
do anything which is unpleasing to him, on condition that he will hold to me as I shall deserve it,
and that he will perform everything as it was in our agreement when I submitted myself to him
and chose his will.
List similarities (at least 2)
List differences (at least 2):
Maintaining Power: Feudal Oaths and Relationships
What are the basic human needs for survival?
– Food
– Water
– Shelter / protection from harm
Feudal _______________________ helped make sure these needs were met. (most of the time)
The feudal system was based on 3 “F’s”
•
Fief – ____________________
• Most valuable thing someone could own
•
Fealty – ____________________
• Land was given to ___________________ in exchange for loyalty. They
had to swear a loyalty oath to their King/Lord
•
Faith – __________________________
• Nobles had a strong faith in ____________________. This meant they
would not betray the ____________________ they made
Oaths:
• In order to formalize their ____________________, Vassals (nobles) took official oaths
to their King or Lord
– Vassals would ______________________ the King loyalty and military aid if
their King was ever _______________________.
– In return, the King would ________________ the vassal a fief (land) and serfs to
____________________ the land.
King’s Responsibility:
• With great power, comes great responsibility!
• Although there was no democracy, the _________________ still had a duty to his people.
• Kings/Lords were expected to _____________________ their _________________.
• Furthermore, Kings were expected to uphold their _______________________ to their
vassals and not charge too much _________________or take away their rights.
• If a King abused their _______________, (overcharge taxes, administer unfair
punishment ect.) vassals could gang up on him and force him to change his
_______________.
•
This happened to King John of England (Robin Hood!) He abused his power,
upset his vassals and they forced him to sign the “____________________ a
document that officially limited his power to make laws and limit the rights of his
vassals.