Political and Social Change The Magna Carta The Hundred Years’ War The Black Death

Main Ideas and the Big Idea The Main Ideas: Magna Carta caused changes in England’s government and legal system. The Hundred Years’ War led to political changes in England and France. The Black Death, which swept through Europe in the Middle Ages, led to social changes. The Big Idea Europe’s political and social systems underwent great changes in the late Middle Ages.

The Magna Carta In 1215 a group of nobles wrote the Magna Carta, a document listing rights that England’s King John could not ignore. The historic document had many important effects on life in the Middle Ages and beyond. Our Constitution and Declaration of Independence are based partially on the ideas in the Magna Carta.

The Magna Carta

Effects of the Magna Carta The king had to value and protect many new rights: Habeus Corpus—a person could not be kept in jail without a reason. Instead, they had to be charged with a crime and convicted at a jury trial before they could be sent to jail or prison. Before, kings were able to arrest and imprison anyone they desired.

Effects of the Magna Carta The king had to follow all laws. Before, the king followed only the laws that he wanted to follow. The Magna Carta forced the king to follow all laws that his subjects had to follow. Both habeus corpus and requiring leaders to follow laws are important parts of England and the United States’ system of laws today.

Changes after the Magna Carta The English were inspired by the Magna Carta to find more ways to limit the king’s power. A council formed to advise the king, which eventually developed into the Parliament--a lawmaking body that still governs England today. Parliament became so powerful that the king could do very little without the support of the legislative body.

Changes after the Magna Carta The English people also demanded that judges be free of royal control or influence. In the late 1600s, the king agreed to free the courts of his control. This was an important step in creating an independent judicial system that brought democracy to England. In the United States, the judicial system (courts) is separated from the legislature (Congress) and the executive (President).

The Hundred Years’ War The Magna Carta had no immediate effects outside of England. Kings outside of England were forced to change their ways due to other factors. In 1328 the king of France died with no sons. Two men claimed the throne: one Frenchman, one the king of England.

The Hundred Years’ War The Frenchman became king, which angered the king of England. A few years later, the king of England invaded, resulting in a long conflict known today as the Hundred Years’ War. At first, the English did very well. They won most battles. After nearly 100 years of battle, however, a young teenage peasant girl named Joan of Arc rallied the French troops and led them to victory, although she was captured and killed by the English.

Medieval Illustrations

Medieval illustrations

Joan of Arc

Results of the War The governments of England and France both changed. England—Parliament’s power grew because the king needed their approval to raise money to fight the long war. Parliament’s growing influence took power away from the king. France—The king’s power grew because he had become popular during the war with nobles. Fighting the English created a bond between the king and his nobles, so the nobles supported the king after the war had ended.

The Black Death