King John and the Magna Carta

Impact of Crusades When the Crusades began in the 11th century, many nobles sold their land and serfs to finance the Crusades campaign. Many lords went to the Crusades, as well. With so many lords in the Holy Land, many serfs ran away. Others gained freedom when their lords were killed. Such circumstances weakened feudalism and eventually increased the power of the kings.

Medieval Kings Medieval kings could get into serious trouble if they did not have the qualities of a KING! In the thirteenth century some barons (noblemen or vassals) forced an unpopular king to give up some power …and it was only the beginning!! In this lesson, you will find out how the richest people in the country began to challenge the king.

Could the rich control the king? A good judge of character Rich – but not greedy! A good soldier Fit and strong God fearing Inspiring! Brave Hardworking Firm – but fair! Wise Around the picture above, you can read some of the qualities which medieval people expected their king to have! Which three do you think are the most important for a medieval king?

King John manages to upset everyone!! The first king to give up some of his power was John. He is famous as Prince John in make believe stories of Robin Hood. In the stories he is a wicked and foolish prince who taxes the people of England unfairly. Some historians say King John was just as foolish in real life. John ruled England from 1199 to 1216. He faced the following problems...

Problem Number 1 He quarrelled with the Pope about how to run the Church. From 1208 until 1213, the Pope banned all church services in England and English people feared that they would not go to heaven! Some Church leaders blamed John for the trouble.

Problem Number 2 John went to war twice against the French king. His army was badly beaten both times. He lost almost all the land that his father had gained in France!

Problem Number 3 John raised taxes in England to pay for the wars. This upset his BARONS! He ordered them to pay far more tax than earlier kings had done!

THINK! For how many years did the ban on church services last? Why do you think the barons gave John the nicknames “Softsword” and “Lackland”? Which of the three problems do you think upset the barons the most?

How did the barons strike back? In 1214 many barons rebelled against John. They believed that he could not rule the country properly and was treating them unfairly. If someone did not do something the whole country could be ruined! In 1215 the barons forced John to grant a charter, which was the first time anyone had expected an English king to obey a set of rules.

The Magna Carta?? The Charter later became known by the Latin name Magna Carta which means “great charter”. Magna Carta

How did Magna Carta affect King John? I, King John, accept that I have to govern according to the law. So I agree: 1. Not to imprison nobles without trial 2. That trials must be in courts; not held in secret by me 3. To have fair taxation for the nobles 4. To let freemen travel wherever they like 5. Not to interfere in Church matters 6. Not to seize crops without paying for them …and more things too!

Basically… Magna Carta stated that the LAW, not the king, was the supreme power in England. Magna Carta was an important factor in changing Europe into a democracy rather than a monarchy.

Think! Use the examples from Magna Carta to explain the different ways in which John had been upsetting people. What was so new about Magna Carta for English kings? At the time, Magna Carta was not designed to help everybody. What kind of people were not helped by the charter?