Untitled Deck Flashcards
What were the Biggest problems facing medieval and early modern monarchs?
Opposition from the church, religious disagreements, money problems, civil war, personal weakness, foreign wars, and powerful barons.
Why was opposition from the church a problem for monarchs?
The church had significant power, wealth, and influence, often challenging royal authority, especially in matters of law and governance.
How did powerful barons threaten the authority of the monarchy?
Barons controlled large lands and armies, often rebelling against weak monarchs, as seen in the Magna Carta (1215).
How did religious disagreements affect rulers?
Disputes like the Reformation led to instability, such as Henry 8th’s break with Rome and the English Civil War (1642-1651).
Why was money a key problem for monarchs?
Wars, court expenses, and debts forced rulers to raise taxes, leading to tension with nobles and the public.
How did foreign wars weaken monarchs?
Expensive conflicts, like the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) and wars with Spain and France, drained resources and weakened rule.
What role did civil wars play in weakening monarchs?
Internal conflicts, such as the Wars of the Roses (1455-1487) and the English Civil War, led to instability and shifts in power.
How did personal weakness affect a ruler’s ability to govern?
Incompetent or unpopular rulers (e.g., King John) struggled to maintain control, leading to rebellion or beign overthrown.
What factors made ruler effective in the period c1000-c1700?
Military succes, strong governance, religious control, economic stability, ability to work with parliament/nobles, and public support.
Name two of the most effective monarchs from c1000-c1700.
William the Conqueror (r. 1066-1087)- strengthened the monarchy wiht the feudal system. Elizabeth 1st (r. 1558-1603)- stabilising England, defeated the Spanish Armada, and established religious unity.
Name two of the least effective monarchs from c1000-c1700.
King John (r. 1199-1216)- Lost land to France, and was forced to sign the Magna Carta. Chalres 1st (r. 1625-1649)- His disputes with Parliament led to the Civil War and his execution.
Why was Elizabeth 1st considered an effective ruler?
She balanced power between monarchy and Parliament, handled religious conflicts, and defeated Spain in 1588.
How did William the Conqueror strengthen royal power?
He established the feudal system, built castles for defense, and conducted and the Domesday Book for taxation.
What were some of the most significant events in this period?
Henry 8th’s break with Rome (1534), the execution of Charles 1st (1649), the Glorious Revolution (1688), and the Act of Union (1707).
How did the Glorious Revol
Why was the English Civil War (1642-1651) significant?
It led to the execution of Charles 1st and a temporary republic under Oliver Cromwell.
What was the impact of the Act of Supremacy (1534)?
It made the English monarch the head of the Church of England, reducing the Pope’s influence on England.
How did the Restoration of 1660 impact the monarchy?
The monarchy was restored after Cromwell’s rule, but with strongly parliamentary limits.
What were the key ways monarchs justified their claims to the throne?
Glorious ancestors, military success, legal claim, support of nobles, religious backing.
How did religion play a role in a monarch’s legitimacy?
Monarchs were seen as God’s chosen rulers, but changes like the Reformation weakened this idea.
Why was military success important for claiming the throne?
Victories in battle (e.g., William the Conqueror in 1066) demonstrated strength and secured loyalty.
Give and example of Conflict between rulers and subjects.
The execution of Charles 1st after the English Civil War showed the struggle between monarchy and Parliament.
Give an example of co-operation between rulers and subjects.
Elizabeth 1’s religious settlement reduced tensions between Catholics and Protestants.
How did the power struggle between monarchy and Parliament change over time?
Early monarchs ruled with near- absolute power, but by 1688, Parliament had gained significant control.
What was the Act of Supremacy (1534)?
A law making Henry 8th the Head of the Church of England.
What was the Glorious Revolution (1688)?
The overthrow of James 2nd, leading to a constitutional monarchy.
What were the Puritans?
A protestant group who wanted to purify the Church of England and played a key role in the English Civil War.
What were the Tories and Whigs?
The first political parties in England- Tories supported strong monarchy, Whigs favoured parliamentary power.
What was Treason?
Acts against the King or state, often punished by execution (e.g., Charles 1st’s trial).
Point (P)- Identify the event and its significance. State WHY the event is significant, linking it to one or more of the 5Rs
“The Glorious Revolution of 1688 was highly significant because it fundamentally changed the balance of power between monarchy and Parliament (Results in Change).”
Evidence (E)- Provide specific facts and examples. Give precise details about the event: dates, key people, and what happened.
“In 1688, King James 2nd was overthrown and replaced by William and Mary, who agreed to the Bill of Rights in 1689. This established constitutional monarchy and limited royal authority, ensuring Parliament had more control over taxation and laws.”
