What land ownership system was established due to the Norman Conquest?

The establishment of the feudal landholding system as a result of the Norman Conquest in 1066 significantly transformed land ownership and social structure in England. Under this system, land was owned by a few lords or nobles, who received large estates from the King in exchange for loyalty and military service. These landowners would then grant portions of their land to vassals or knights, who were obligated to serve them in military capacities as well.

This hierarchical system depended heavily on the concepts of land tenure and the reciprocal obligations between lords and vassals, leading to a structured society with defined roles and responsibilities. The feudal system replaced the previous Anglo-Saxon systems of land ownership, which had been more communal and less stratified.

Understanding this context is crucial, as it highlights the significant shift in land management and governance brought about by the Norman influence. Other systems like socialist land distribution, capitalist property rights, and collective farming do not accurately represent the nature of land ownership during this period in England. These concepts emerged much later in history and involve different economic principles and societal structures.