Chapter 1- Magna Carta Flashcards
What were the responsibilities for a medieval King?
-Defend the people by leading the army well.
-Keep the country peaceful.
-Successfully deal with any rebellions.
-Maintain good relations with the Church and the Pope.
What was the feudal system?
-King
-Bishops and Barons
-Knights
-Peasants
What caused the Barons to be unhappy?
-John’s poor battle record meant he lost land in France. ‘Lackland’
-They were worried about invasions from foreign countries due to the fall out with the Pope.
-They had to pay scutage which was a high tax on those barons who did not fight for John when he asked.
-John repeatedly ignored the demands of the Great Council; the barons felt that their views were not respected.
What were some terms on the Magna Carta?
-No scutage shall be imposed on the barons.
-A baron’s heir shall inherit his lands on payment of 100 pounds to the King.
-No freeman shall be arrested or imprisoned without a proper trial.
-The English Church shall be free to make its own appointments.
-A group of 25 barons will be created the monitor the King and ensure he commits to the Magna Carta. (Clause 61).
What happened in the 1st Barons’ War?
-King John quickly went back on his word, saying he had been forced to sign the Magna Carta, despite agreeing it and signing it in Runnymede in 1215.
-The Pope agreed, stating that the Magna Carta was invalid.
-War started in England between the barons and the King; the Barons had the support of the French who sent troops and money to help the Barons.
-The Siege of Rochester in late 1215 gave John the upper hand after he and his men were able to storm Rochester Castle.
How long did the Magna Carta last?
-5 months
-May 1216- The barons promise the French Prince Louis the English throne. Prince Louis then takes control of most of England, and has the support of the Scottish King.
-2nd June 1216- Prince Louis announced (but not crowned) King of England.
-October 1216- King John dies.
-28th October 1216- John’s young son Henry becomes King Henry III. The Magna Carta was reissued and Henry III agrees to the conditions.
What were the short-term impacts of the Magna Carta?
-King John went back on his word, so the Magna Carta did not have an immediate impact to society.
-Peasants and villeins were still not free.
-Only the politically powerful such as the Barons, the Church and merchants benefitted from the Magna Carta.
What were the long-term impacts of the Magna Carta?
-The Magna Carta introduced the idea that there were some laws and rules the King had to follow.
-Eventually more people gained their freedom.
-Kings after John signed similar versions of the Magna Carta.
-It was viewed as the first step in Britain becoming a democracy.
