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AnswerThe word "serf" is the Latin word for slave so a serf was a slave. Slaves are owned and not free so a serf didn't have freedom. AnswerThe Latin word for slave was "servus," which is the source of the English words serf and servant, neither of which means slave.

Serfs had a surprising amount of freedom. They had to pay rent, in the form of labor, a part of the crop, or money, and they were legally not allowed to move away from the manor they lived on. But their relationship with the feudal lord was one of mutual obligation, and so the serf got things in return, which were a place to live, fields to farm, and protection. The lack of freedom they had in not being allowed to move away was matched by a lack of freedom the lord had to move them away.

As part of their work, serfs had to be organized. They had to be assigned jobs or fields to farm. In England, the person who did this was the reeve, who was usually a serf, and was sometimes elected by the serfs.

There are links to articles on serfdom and manorialism below. There is also a link to a related question that may be of interest and has number of other links from it, "What was a serf's life like?"

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After serfs gained ther freedom what is true of their conditions?

After the serfs gained their freedom, they were able to move about, but they had lost the security of being serfs, who had rights to the land, and so were not really much better off than they had been in many cases. In fact, in some cases, they were considerably worse off.


During the later Middle Ages where were serfs likely to search for freedom?

Monasteries


How did Catherine the Great's policies towards the serfs impact their freedom and rights during her reign?

Catherine the Great's policies towards the serfs during her reign in Russia limited their freedom and rights. She implemented laws that further tied the serfs to the land and their owners, making it difficult for them to improve their social and economic status. This led to increased oppression and exploitation of the serfs, rather than granting them more rights or freedoms.


How was freedom gained by serfs?

Freedom for serfs was typically gained through a combination of legal reforms, economic changes, and social upheaval. In many regions, particularly in Eastern Europe, serfdom was abolished in the 19th century through state decrees, such as the Emancipation Reform of 1861 in Russia, which granted serfs personal freedom and the right to own land. Additionally, the rise of industrialization and urbanization created new economic opportunities that encouraged the movement away from feudal obligations. Revolts and demands for reform also pressured governments to recognize the rights of serfs, leading to their eventual liberation.


How do you think serfs felt about the feudal system?

Serfs likely had mixed feelings about the feudal system. While they benefited from protection and the stability provided by their lords, they were also bound to the land and subjected to labor and taxes, leading to feelings of resentment and frustration. Many serfs might have yearned for greater freedom and better living conditions, but the system offered little opportunity for change. Overall, their experience was shaped by a complex interplay of loyalty, obligation, and desire for autonomy.

Related Questions

Where were serfs likely to search for freedom?

Monasteries


Did Athens or Sparta have more personal freedom?

Both Athens and Sparta provided similar freedoms for their citizens (adult males). In Athens, females had little freedom, and slaves none. In Sparta, women had similar freedom to the males, and serfs had limited freedom, being bound to their land.


What are the accomplishments of Joseph II?

Freedom Of Speech Freedom Of Religion Serfs dont owe Nobility work


How were serfs different from freemen?

Serfs were slaves tied to the land and lord and nothing would free them. Freemen were peasants who had bought their freedom.


After serfs gained their freedom what is true of their conditions?

the conditions stayed the same. <><><><><><><><><><><><>


After serfs gained ther freedom what is true of their conditions?

After the serfs gained their freedom, they were able to move about, but they had lost the security of being serfs, who had rights to the land, and so were not really much better off than they had been in many cases. In fact, in some cases, they were considerably worse off.


During the later Middle Ages where were serfs likely to search for freedom?

Monasteries


How did Catherine the Great's policies towards the serfs impact their freedom and rights during her reign?

Catherine the Great's policies towards the serfs during her reign in Russia limited their freedom and rights. She implemented laws that further tied the serfs to the land and their owners, making it difficult for them to improve their social and economic status. This led to increased oppression and exploitation of the serfs, rather than granting them more rights or freedoms.


In what order are serfs vassals and tenants ranked under a king in the feudal system?

At the very bottom. They had no freedom and no one below them.


What happened as Europe recovered from the black death?

Cities began to grow, and serfs gained freedom.


Why was there tension between surfs and landowners?

because the serfs were slaves and had no freedom and were part of the landowners property


How was freedom gained by serfs?

Freedom for serfs was typically gained through a combination of legal reforms, economic changes, and social upheaval. In many regions, particularly in Eastern Europe, serfdom was abolished in the 19th century through state decrees, such as the Emancipation Reform of 1861 in Russia, which granted serfs personal freedom and the right to own land. Additionally, the rise of industrialization and urbanization created new economic opportunities that encouraged the movement away from feudal obligations. Revolts and demands for reform also pressured governments to recognize the rights of serfs, leading to their eventual liberation.