King John was not responsible for the loss of Normandy in 1204

ARGEE

• Internal weakness - the lack of unity in the Angevin Empire meant it was destined to fall. There was no uniting culture or even unified politicial empire as Henry II has intended to divide his lands up between his sons. Thus by nature the Angevin Empire was destined to fall apart.
• Richard died in 1199 leaving no natural heir - while Arthur was in theory heir he declared John his successor leading to uncertainty and dispute over succession. It can be argued Richard bankrupted England and Normandy for the Third Crusade, when he was captured by the Holy Roman Emperor and immediately returned to War with France. By John's reign they were tired of tax and not willing to give it to John who was not a famed crusader.

DISAGREE

• John's poor personality and in many respects lack of charisma required of a medieval King led ultimately to alienation of his Norman Barons. He was warned by William…