John's loss of Normandy Flashcards
Name the 2 main arguments for why John lost Normandy.
Philip’s skill and John’s incompetence.
In what 3 ways was Philip skillful in taking control of Normandy?
- Made John his vassal.
- Ensured loyalty from his allies.
- Strong military tactics.
How did Philip make John his vassal?
At the very start of John’s reign, Philip invaded Normandy. In his shock, John agreed to Philip’s threatening demands to make Philip his overlord.
Philip essentially now had control over John. This allowed him to invade Normandy again when John married the fiancée of Philip’s ally, Hugh de Lusignan (Philip had the excuse that John hadn’t paid Hugh compensation).
How did Philip ensure that his allies remained loyal to him during his invasion of Normandy?
He bribed his allies by promising them (e.g. Prince Arthur) land in Normandy.
How did Philip show military skill in conquering Normandy?
- Gained territory surrounding Normandy in short bursts.
- When he invaded Chateau Gaillard in 1204, he used machinery sophisticated enough to penetrate its walls, e.g. a scrofa (a mobile sheild under which engineers were protected while they dug into the walls).
In what 4 ways did John create the conditions for his own failure in Normandy?
- Made the mistake of making Philip his overlord.
- He was too slow in the final battle.
- He gave up on controlling Normandy too soon.
- He lost many significant allies.
How was John’s making Philip his overlord a great mistake?
By making Philip his feudal overlord right at the beginning of his reign, he did something his brother and father had never done. It left him open to constant threats from Philip, and effectively gave Philip control of all of England.
How was John too slow in the final battle over Normandy?
In the final battle for Chateau Gaillard, he didn’t get his force to reinforce his general’s, William Marshall, quickly enough. He neglected the fact that speed is very important in war.
Explain how John gave up on Normandy too soon.
When he left Normandy in 1204, his position, though weakened, was still not hopeless. The capital, Rouen, was still loyal to him and in the hands of a skilled commander. John still had a number of castles under his control.
He could have fought on and been more assertive in demanding reinforcements from England, but did neither. Chateau Gaillard was lost within 3 months, and the whole of Normandy fell under Philip’s control.
Which allies did John lose during his loss of Normandy?
- Hugh de Lusignan
- William des Roches
- Many Barons
How did John lose an ally in Hugh de Lusignan?
He besmirched him by marrying his fiancée, Isabelle of Angoulème. This meant he lost an ally in an influencial noble, as well as many others.
How did John lose an ally in William des Roches?
William des Roches was a very competent army leader. John lost his loyalty by not crediting him for his role in the capture of Prince Arthur in 1202.
How did John lose the respect of many Barons in Normandy?
- They were disgfusted at his brutal alleged murder of Prince Arthur.
- John stole Hugh de Lusignan’s fiancée.
What nickname did John gain through his loss of Normandy?
Soft-sword.
