King John and the Magna Carta

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

Background - Medieval kings could get into serious trouble if they did not have the qualities of a KING! In the thirteenth century, some barons forced an unpopular king to give up some power. You will find out how the richest people in the country began to challenge the king.

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

Problem #1 - He fought 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 all go to the devil. Pope and Church officials had power to excommunicate people - to cast out of the church.

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

THINK! 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? King John agreed to the nobels’ demands by signing a document in 1215 known as the Magna Carta (Great Charter).

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

The Magna Carta This is what King John agreed to: 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 3. To have fair taxation 4. Not to interfere with the Church 5. Not take crops without paying for them …and lot more things too!

The Magna Carta limited the power of the king and gave people rights. It set the stage for weakening of feudal system. It was the foundation of British Parliament and democratic government throughout Europe today. Principles in Magna Carta are the basis of some of our laws in the U.S. Constitution!

Political Cartoon

Closure Use the examples from Magna Carta to work out the different ways in which John has been upsetting people. What was so new about Magna Carta for English kings?