Strong Monarchs in England During this time England was overcome with invaders. They consisted of Angles, Vikings, and Saxons. Their king died in the year 1066 and there was confusion over who was to assume the throne. Nobles wanted Harold, the king’s brother-in-law, to assume the throne. But Duke William, a Viking argued that he deserved the throne. The result was a huge war. William won the baking of the pope and his own army to battle against Harold. On Christmas day in 1066, William won the throne.

King William William created the Domesday book, a census of the whole kingdom. Through this, he created a strong tax system.

Henry II He assumed the throne in He was known for his expanded system of royal justice. He extended the country’s customs into law. This was called Common Law. It consisted of the country’s customs and court rulings and was mandatory for all English to follow. Henry also created a system of juries. There were many issues that rose between Henry II and the Catholic Church Henry felt that, just like other citizens, the church should be able to be taxed and should have to serve in court. A strong insurgent of the king and the archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, fought against the king. After Henry made fools of his nobles for not avenging him to Becket, four nobles killed Becket in his own cathedral. Thomas Becket was considered a martyr and a saint.

King John and Pope Innocent III John, Henry’s son, was a hated ruler. He had 4 adversaries: William the Conqueror ruler of Britain with a Norman heritage, King Phillip II of France, Pope Innocent III, and Nobles. He lost Anjou and Normandy to Phillip II. He fought against Pope Innocent III. They argued over who should be next in line to assume the role as pope. The Pope, in return, excommunicated John from church. The Pope also put England in an interdict. John also had to pay taxes Rome.

The Magna Carta and Parliament After threats, the Magna Carta was signed by John. In it many rights were given to the commoners and Church by the king. It granted protection from arbitrary arrest and imprisonment. In it, the King was prohibited from raising taxes. In it, the King was prohibited from raising taxes. It must be obeyed by all. Parliament was a Great Council. It created unity amongst England. It was made up of many representatives, each from a different county, but only 2 knights from each county could sit on the council. It was considered to be the “framework” of English legislatures and became known as Model Parliament. It divided into 2 bodies: House Of Lords and House of Commoners.

French Monarchs The Capetians They were ruled by Hugh Capet. He expanded royal supremacy and made the throne inheritable. He gained support from the Church. He created a well-constructed bureaucracy. He also gained support from the middle class.

Philip Augustus He increased the regal supremacy. He was the strongest European king. He paid the middle class to take over jobs in the government. He also administered many charters. He took over many new lands: Southern France, Anjou, Normandy, and Albigensian. French Monarchs

Louis IX He tried to increase the theological part of France. Fought against Muslims twice Disagreed with Muslim and heretic rulers Outlawed wars and owning of serfs He became a saint. He took court cases and turned France into a sufficient monarchy. French Monarchs