Magna Carta
- Created by: Fayehenaghan
- Created on: 07-06-18 13:00
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- Magna Carta
- Summary
- In Anglo-Saxon times Kings worked together with the Witan or Council to rule.
- The Normans used the feudal system, giving the king full power and the barons depended on the king for land and wealth.
- Strong monarchs profited from this system, but weaker ones and those with unrealistic demands could expect trouble. This is what happened to King John.
- John was forced by the barons to concede a charter, known as the Magna Carta
- This was the first time a king had been forced to agree legal limits on his rule. Henry I's charter was voluntary, done so that he could gain support.
- The idea grew that monarchs were subject to law as well, and that they could be held accountable for their actions.
- Background
- Prior to the Magna Carta there had been two other charters made by the king.
- 1014- King Aethelred's Charter
- Promised to govern more justly than before.
- 1100- Henry I's Coronation
- Abolished England's oppressive customs.
- Restored laws from Edward the Confessor.
- 1014- King Aethelred's Charter
- Prior to the Magna Carta there had been two other charters made by the king.
- Significance
- Short/Medium Term
- It didn't solve the problem- King John only agreed to the Magna Carta to buy time. He went back on his word and civil war broke out.
- The Magna Carta was only about the relationship between the king and the barons, who were not interested in the rights of peasants.
- Long Term
- As more people became free the charter had more applications and therefore gained significance.
- It showed that the King could be held accountable by the barons if he ruled incorrectly.
- The Magna Carta became a symbol of power. It is used as a defence when people protest against strong authority.
- It was seen as the first step in a long process towards democracy.
- It influenced many international documents
- The Declaration of Human Rights
- The US Constitution
- The British Consititution
- Short/Medium Term
- The Failures of King John
- King John was a weak leader
- Lost land in Normandy.
- Nicknamed 'Softsword".
- He argued with the Church.
- Excommunication from Pope
- People thought they were going to hell.
- Failure in taking back Norman land.
- Led to increased Scutage tax to pay for the war.
- The barons felt their money was being wasted
- Left John and the country in debt.
- Led to increased Scutage tax to pay for the war.
- King John was a weak leader
- What was it?
- Judges not allowed to take bribes
- King must seek advice before taxation.
- Everyone is free and entitled to a fair trials.
- King can't interfere with the Church.
- Barons can only be fined if other barons find them guilty.
- THEMES
- War
- John's failure in war and the taxes made the barons unhappy, causing them to push for change.
- Religion
- Excommunication left people fearing that they would go to Hell.
- Pope sided with John, saying the charter was invalid.
- Government
- John asked the barons for scutage and refused to accept Magna Carta, causing civil war.
- Communication
- When John refused to accept the charter, the barons asked Louis of France to take over.
- Role of the Individual
- Stephen Langton worked with the barons to create the Provisions of Oxford.
- War
- Summary
- Religion
- Excommunication left people fearing that they would go to Hell.
- Pope sided with John, saying the charter was invalid.
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