1.2.3 King John Flashcards
Who ruled after Henry II? (2)
- After Henry II died, his son Richard took the throne. Richard was known as ‘Richard the Lionheart’
- Richard gained glory for joining the Third Crusade, a holy war which was waged to try and re-capture Jerusalem for Christianity
What happened when Richard was away fighting?
His younger brother John was scheming against him, and John took over the throne when Richard died in 1199
How did John’s reign result in the loss of Normandy? (2)
- When John became king, he became embroiled in war with France, which eventually resulted in the loss of Normandy in 1204
- This was a humiliating loss for the English, since England had been tied to Normandy since 1066
John’s poor battle record meant that the Angevin Empire was reduced to control of ________ only
Gascony
Why was John unpopular in England?
He imposed heavy taxes on his people to fund the war against France
What did England’s barons do to John? (2)
- The barons raised an army against John and occupied London. John needed their support to stay in power so he had to agree to their demands.
- In 1215, John signed the Magna Carta which promised to respect the rights of the barons and to stop unfair taxes
How is the Magna Carta still relevant today?
The Magna Carta is still hugely important to this day, since it outlines the basic principle that everyone is subject to the law of the kingdom
Describe the French invasion during the last couple of years of John’s reign (2)
- During the last couple of years of John’s reign, France attempted to invade England, and occupied the country from 1216-1217
- The English people united to force the hated French invaders, and this period was crucial in helping develop English national identity in the face of enemy attack
When did England’s barons rebel against John and force him to sign the Magna Carta?
1215
