King John And The Barons (1215-1216)

Question 1

Type of war

Answer 1

• rebellion, civil war

Question 2

Examples of war

Answer 2

• Barons War/challenge against feudalism - barons have no loyalty as John captured their sons/taxed them unfairly
• John went back on Magna Carta and besieged Rochester Castle in Oct. 1215 to prevent French soldiers joint rebel barons and had to be persuaded not to hang barons.
• within a year, John died and was succeeded by Henry III, who was supported as long as some of his power was reduced and changed feudal system; agreed to the Provisions of Oxford, which meant the monarch could no longer rely on nobles for military.

Question 3

Attitudes and responses

Answer 3

• barons split between loyalty and what they saw as their rights - led to civil war.
• barons forced john to sign Magna Carta in June 1215 in order to reduce rights/power of monarch. He revoked it soon after.

Question 4

Impact on people

Answer 4

• Habeas corpus - innocent until proven guilty, proper court case, where jury not chosen by monarch
• justice cannot be sold, denied or delayed
• punishments will be more fair so that livelihood is not taken away
• people gain power and feel more safe and liberated

Question 5

Impact on government

Answer 5

• Common Council had to approve money paid instead of having to serve in the military; John could no longer tax without agreement, so he loses power
• King could not have mercenary army; if king had his own army, he would have the power to do what he wanted against barons
• King had to follow law of the land