Knights

Question 1

What were the requirements to become a knight?

Answer 1

Be noble’s son and be wealthy enough to afford armour/equipment.

Question 2

What two technologies rendered the knight’s armour useless?

Answer 2

Longbows and firearms. (Cannons as well)

Question 3

Why were knights so important during the medieval ages and to the feudal system?

Answer 3

They kept the feudal system intact by defending their lord and their land (given to them by their lord. They were the glue of the feudal system.

Question 4

Page (full description)

Answer 4

First stage of becoming a knight, starting at 7-8. The noble boy lived in a knight’s household. They learned riding, hunting and fighting from the warriors of the household. Literature, singing, playing music and waiting and table was taught by the lady and her attendants. KEY POINT: KNIGHTLY COURTESY

Question 5

Squire (full description)

Answer 5

Starts at 14-15. The knight’s assistant/bodyguard in battle and at tournaments. Learned weapons, heraldry, and siege warfare. Hunting with dogs or hawks and tournaments. Serves his knight.

Question 6

Being knighted

Answer 6

Usually knighted at 21. Dubbed, robed, and armed by lord. Must buy armour and keep vigil over it. Serves his lord.

Question 7

Why were knights so important to the military?

Answer 7

They were a dominant military force for centuries, able to mow down anyone not on a horse. The only ones who could’ve opposed them were other knights (at first). They also romanticized the idea of honourable combat.

Question 8

What does obsolete mean?

Answer 8

Out of date/old-fashioned.

Question 9

Why was new technology in war significant to the fall of knights?

Answer 9

1. Allowed people with less training to kill knights
2. Took emphasis away from individuals to groups instead

Question 10

Longbow - Advantages and Disadvantages

Answer 10

Advantages
- 12 arrows a minute
- good against slow soldiers

Disadvantages
- required physical power and endurance
- stilled needed training to use

Question 11

Crossbow - Advantages and Disadvantages

Answer 11

Advantages - easier to use, easier to arm peasants, no need for great strength.
Disadvantages - not honourable, but peasants didn’t care.

Question 12

Firearms (guns) - Advantages and Disadvantages

Answer 12

Advantages - required very little training (anyone, even peasants, could kill a knight), very terrifying.
Disadvantages - expensive to build/train, slow and unwieldy.

Question 13

How did new technology lead to the rise of mercenary armies?

Answer 13

It made a career of killing (due to less required training/skill), and there were professional soldiers who fought for money over faith, fealty, and fiefs.

Question 14

Standing armies

Answer 14

Permanent professional soldiers who fought as a career (knights were 40 days/a year) and to keep land.

Question 15

How did the rise of mercenaries lead to standing armies?

Answer 15

They were cheap to hire.

Question 16

How did the rise of new medieval cities impact the knights?

Answer 16

Feudal system became obsolete, new middle class created. Money became new basis of wealth.

Question 17

What’s chivalry and what’s it based on?

Answer 17

The qualities expected of a knight, such as honour, courtesy, and courage. It’s based on personal honour.

Question 18

What characteristics was the perfect chivalrous knight supposed to have?

Answer 18

They should be brave, generous, and truthful.

Question 19

A knight’s duties

Answer 19

Protect women, children, and strengthen the church. Also obey/defend his lord.

Question 20

Why was chivalry invented for knights?

Answer 20

It discourages knights from picking on those weaker than them, such as serfs. It also encourages loyalty to those more influential than them.

Question 21

Peaceful ways knights practiced for battle/war

Answer 21

Hunting and jousting.

Question 22

Why did new weapons make knights less important?

Answer 22

People with less training could now kill a knight using these weapons.