TD 1 : History of England

Question 1

Cite at least two typical Anglo-saxon customs or institutions.

Answer 1

1. Frankpledge = individual moral duty (no police)
2. The King’s power is limited by the Witans.
3. The heptarchy : The 7 kings must collaborate to rule.

Question 2

Who were the Danes ?

Answer 2

The Danes = Vikings from Danemark who invaded England in the 9th century.

Question 3

Why is 30/40% of the English vocabulary has French origins ?

Answer 3

In 1066, William the conqueror, a French man, invaded England. This system stayed for centuries and left a strong legacy as a result.
Bonus tips : At the time, poor people spoke german english, whereas French seemed more intellectual. Ex today = Beef vs Ox.

Question 4

Explain the importance of Magna Carta.

Answer 4

1215 : 1st written document that limits the KIng’s power.
- The King is not longer above the law
- Sets the basis for a government where the King is not the only one responsible for decisions.

Question 5

What is the via media ?

Answer 5

A compromise made by Elizabeth I between protestantism and catholicism.
- Allowed freedom of belief
- reduced violence between the two parties.

Question 6

Why was Charles I so unpopular ?

Answer 6

1. Believed in the divine right of things.
2. Wanted to rule without Parliament and assert absolutism.
3. Married a catholic princess.

Question 7

Why was the Glorious revolution of 1688 very different from the French Revolution ?

Answer 7

• Bloodless revolution
• wasn’t the same motives
• The old King wasn’t beheaded
• The political structure didn’t change in England whereas in France, it was transfomed.

Question 8

What is believed to have prevented a violent revolution in the 19th century ?

Answer 8

• The Queen Victoria married a progressive man
• the working conditions increased
• The economy was prosperous
• There was an electoral form = the right to vote.