By: Abby Bova
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta has just been signed in June 1215. It was signed between the barons of Medieval England and King John. This article will inform everyone in England for a long time, why the document called the Magna Carta was made and what it was written for. The signing took place at Runnymede near Windsor Castle. This document is a series of written promises between the king and his subjects that the king will govern England and deal with his people according to the customs of feudal law.
Some people believe that this document was made as an attempt by the barons to stop King John from abusing his power, while England’s people suffer. It is suggested that the barons are not fond of King John. Some reasons may include that, the king is constantly asking the barons for more collected taxes and for them to provide more men. Also, it is hard for English kings to have a good relationship with the barons when their military campaigns abroad are not very successful. In 1204, John lost land in northern France. Because of this, he introduced high taxes without asking the barons, going against feudal law and accepted custom.
Another reason for this document being made is that King John angered the Roman Catholic Church. The pope was displeased by King John’s behavior and banned all church services in England in 1207. In 1209, the pope excommunicated him. This was a terrible thing for King John because that meant that he could never get to Heaven until the pope withdrew his excommunication. King John was in a terrible situation and had no idea what to do so he climbed down and accepted the power of the Catholic Church. In 1214, he gave them many privileges.
1214 proved to be a disastrous year for King John in another way. For a long time, England had owned land in France. King John attempted again to get this land back in northern France, but suffered another military loss. When he returned to London, he immediately demanded more money from taxes. The barons were not willing to listen and rebelled against his power. They eventually captured London. They did not defeat King John entirely so in spring of 1215, both sides agreed to discuss matters. After discussing this, they decided to create a new document, the Magna Carta.
Work Cited: http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/magna_carta.htm
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta has just been signed in June 1215. It was signed between the barons of Medieval England and King John. This article will inform everyone in England for a long time, why the document called the Magna Carta was made and what it was written for. The signing took place at Runnymede near Windsor Castle. This document is a series of written promises between the king and his subjects that the king will govern England and deal with his people according to the customs of feudal law.
Some people believe that this document was made as an attempt by the barons to stop King John from abusing his power, while England’s people suffer. It is suggested that the barons are not fond of King John. Some reasons may include that, the king is constantly asking the barons for more collected taxes and for them to provide more men. Also, it is hard for English kings to have a good relationship with the barons when their military campaigns abroad are not very successful. In 1204, John lost land in northern France. Because of this, he introduced high taxes without asking the barons, going against feudal law and accepted custom.
Another reason for this document being made is that King John angered the Roman Catholic Church. The pope was displeased by King John’s behavior and banned all church services in England in 1207. In 1209, the pope excommunicated him. This was a terrible thing for King John because that meant that he could never get to Heaven until the pope withdrew his excommunication. King John was in a terrible situation and had no idea what to do so he climbed down and accepted the power of the Catholic Church. In 1214, he gave them many privileges.
1214 proved to be a disastrous year for King John in another way. For a long time, England had owned land in France. King John attempted again to get this land back in northern France, but suffered another military loss. When he returned to London, he immediately demanded more money from taxes. The barons were not willing to listen and rebelled against his power. They eventually captured London. They did not defeat King John entirely so in spring of 1215, both sides agreed to discuss matters. After discussing this, they decided to create a new document, the Magna Carta.
Work Cited: http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/magna_carta.htm