Section 4 Power of the Kings

I. Building of Nations Nobles saw themselves equal to the kings. Were able to keep power as long as feudalism worked Feudal system began to decline (not work) because of : 1. Rise of cities-Kings supported cities in return for money and money was used to create a paid army that attacked the nobles (Black Plague) 2. Crusades-nobles gave up land to fight (giving up power) and others died so king claimed their land

C. Over time, kings became more powerful controlling large amounts of kind called kingdoms (under 1 person’s rule) D. Kingdoms would become nations with a common language, culture, and leader E. The late Medieval Ages saw the idea of nations growing. Marriages united land and power. Conquering of nobles led to takeover of power

II Changes in England 1066-William the Conqueror kept more power than his nobles Kings that followed him especially Henry I and Henry II increased the power of the king 1199-King John I abused his power by increasing taxes and mistreating his nobles and countrymen (seizing church property and putting people in jail for no reason) June 15, 1215-Nobles of England forced King John to sign the Magna Carta. This document would limit the king’s power by law* King John and all the kings after him would have to agree with the Model Parliament to raise taxes or go to war. Model Parliament would later become England’s Parliament

III. Hundred Years War The Hundred Years War is a series of wars between England and France that lasted from 1337 to 1453. These newly emerging nations would fight over land and power. IV. Causes A. Most of French land was under English control due to marriage and feudal law B. Both countries wanted control of the English Channel and control of trade in France

V. The Wars Edward III Of England invaded France in 1337 claiming the right to be their king The war dragged on for many years, fought by one king then another. England won most of the battles C. 1409-The tide would shift in favor of France. Reason: a young peasant girl by the name of Joan of Arc would lead French troops into battle ( she said that she had a vision from God telling her to fight for her king)

D. Joan of Arc would lead her men to victory in many battles D. Joan of Arc would lead her men to victory in many battles. Giving the French army a morale boost. 1436-She was captured by the English, taken prisoner, put on trial and burned at the stake for witchcraft. E. The French saw Joan as a martyr and fought harder. 1453-They drove the English our of France for good. (Battle of Orleans) France was on the way to becoming a strong nation

VI. Results of the War New Weapons, used paid army (no knights) People saw themselves as citizens of a nation not loyal to a lord Parliament increased power in relation to the king Set up modern boundaries for France and England Feudalism no longer worked-Europe was now a place of nations These nations began looking for place to trade with and conquer