The Stormin’ Normans INB p. 126 Copy only the text that appears in red. INB p. 126 Copy only the text that appears in red.

During the Germanic migrations of the 5th century, Angles and Saxons established kingdoms in Britain. Angles and Saxons

In the late 790s, the Vikings from Scandinavia began to raid and plunder isolated monasteries in northern Britain and Ireland. Later, they landed on the French coast and sailed up rivers into the heart of France.

The Vikings raided villages in the countryside and burned churches in Paris. Medieval people prayed… Lord, deliver us from the wrath of the Norsemen!

The Vikings eventually wanted more than just loot… they wanted new lands in a better climate. They settled in both Britain and France, bringing new cultural ideas into Europe.

But who’s Norman? Okay… I think I understand?

The Normans - Viking raiders called Norsemen, who were also known as Normans. They settled the region of France that became known as Normandy.

The dukes of Normandy became great feudal lords. They grew rich collecting taxes from traders who crossed their lands. In time, they wanted new lands to rule.

In late September 1066, William of Normandy, who became known as William the Conqueror, invaded southern England and challenged King Harold for the throne.

On October 14th, the two armies met at the village of Hastings. The English were on foot, fighting with swords and spears. The Normans had cavalry and archers.

King Harold and his brothers were killed in battle, ending Anglo-Saxon rule in England. The Norman conqueror, William, and his army, fought their way across England, burning and looting. On Christmas Day, 1066, William was crowned King of England.

William the Conqueror - Duke of Normandy and the first Norman king of England. He divided up British land and gave it to 180 of his Norman barons, who then became his vassals. As vassals, they had to supply him with military service and trained soldiers.

In 1199, a new ruler became King of England. As a descendant of William the Conqueror, King John claimed to rule Normandy, in France. However, claiming to rule it, and actually ruling it, were two very different things. By 1204, King John had lost control over most of his French lands. We’re outta control here!

To gain back control of his French lands, he needed to raise an army. To raise that army, he needed money. To get that money, he needed to increase taxes, and his efforts to increase taxes led to conflict with his barons over taxes and royal power.

By the year 1215, England’s leaders had had enough of King John’s high taxes and military failures. Rebellious barons forced the king to approve a document that promised them certain rights. The document was called the… Magna Carta - A document signed by King John of England in In it, he promised he would: ask his barons’ permission before taxing give people the right to a jury trial in criminal cases follow the same laws as everyone else, even though he was the king

And they all lived happily ever after. Well, not exactly. But some of the best ideas in the Magna Carta did, later on, serve as the framework for our United States Constitution.

And who do we have to thank for it all? The Stormin’ Normans!

The End