1. Growth of Royal Power in England and France

2. Monarchs, Nobles and the Church
Monarchs stood at the head of society, but had limited power
Nobles & the church had as much-or more-power as the monarch
To expand their power, monarchs
Set up royal courts
Organized government bureaucracies
Developed systems of taxation
Built standing armies
Strengthened ties with the middle class

3. Norman Conquest
William of Normandy- Defeated the English at the Battle of Hastings in 1066
Became known as William the Conqueror
Became the King of England
French-speaking nobles dominated the English at this time
French & English cultures started to blend

4. Evolution of English Government
Domesday Book- William of Normandy; Efficient system of tax collection
Henry II- extended royal power
Common Law- Legal system based on custom & court ruling. Foundation for English legal system
Jury system- determined which cases brought to trial

5. King John & The Magna Carta
King John (Henry II’s son)- clever, greedy & cruel; abused his power
In 1215, he was cornered & forced to sign the Magna Carta
Limited royal power- monarch must obey the law
Extended the rights of the people

6. Development of Parliament
Monarchs often called on the Great Council for advice, evolved into Parliament
Edward I summoned Parliament to approve money for his wars in France
Had representatives of the common people
Set up framework for England’s legislature

7. Successful Monarchs in France
Philip Augustus
Strengthened the royal government
Quadrupled royal land holdings
At the time of his death, most powerful ruler in Europe
Louis IX
Generous & Devoted
Most admired ruler of his time
Religious man
Declared a saint

8. Philip IV & The Estates General
Ruthlessly extended royal power
Clashed with the pope- pope declared that king cannot tax the clergy without papal consent
Estates General
Representatives from all 3 estates (clergy, nobles, townspeople)
Set up by Philip IV to gain support