Unit 4 Medieval Origins of the Modern State

Geography

The Birth of England History ◦5 th Century invaders (Angles, Saxons and Jutes) ◦Locals Alfred the Great (Wessex ) ◦United the 7 kingdoms against the Danish Vikings ◦Won support as King of all England ◦Began tradition of “consulting” his Barons  Limited monarchy

The problems of succession Edward the Confessor ( ) his death with no heir caused a number of problems ◦English Barons elect Harold II ◦William Duke of Normandy claims Edward promised him the throne ◦William finally invades and defeated Harold II at the Battle of Hastings in October of 1066

William I ( ) Subdued Saxon revolts Built castles Gave his Norman Barons 5/6 of the land Loyalty oaths 2 sons who rule (William II and Henry I) His son Henry I is the last Norman King of England

The Plantagenet or Angevin Dynasty The Norman Kings of England end after the reign of Henry I ◦His daughter Matilda married Duke Geoffrey of Anjou (France) ◦Their son Henry II married Eleanor of Aquitaine ◦Sons Richard I (“Lion heart”) and John I (“soft sword” or “Lackland”)

English possessions in France

Richard I ( ) “Couer De Lion” Spoke little English Only 7 months in England Emptied the treasury with many wars, ransom Died in France

Angevin Lands

John I ( ) “Lackland” lost Normandy early Heavy debt (lots of new taxes), confiscated Church property, abusive and corrupt 1215 at Runnymede forced to sign Magna Carta ◦Limited monarchy ◦Preserved the rights of the Nobles against the monarchy (ex: Taxation, rights of the accused, Parliament) ◦Mostly ignored by English Kings but still considered the cornerstone of modern English law

Rule of law Powers and privileges of the king are clearly defined and limited Charter provides for enforcement of restrictions placed on the king Fairness of the laws and their execution "Reasonable" rules and regulations Equal justice under the law Recognition of customs, traditions, and established rights Restoration of property and fines if not justly taken Punishment in proportion to the crime Commitment to "due process of law" Established procedures No trial without evidence/testimony to support accusations Reliance on local courts and magistrates Trials held in a timely manner Trials open to the public Trial by a jury of one's peers Respect for economic rights Right to property Fairness in economic transactions—standard weights and measures Reimbursement for and/or restoration of property Freedom for merchants to move in order to conduct business

France The Capetian dynasty (replaced the Carolingians) Hugh Capet 1 st Capetian King ◦They controlled very little land  Most of the country dominated by powerful feudal princes ◦Slowly established a solid power base and eventually imposed their will on French Nobles

Phillip II Augustus Phillip II King at 25 Took Normandy back from John in 1204 ◦Claimed John forfeited the land because he failed to appear at the French court New administration (Royal over local) Absolute Monarchy is the result ◦Estates General too weak (Nobles not unified)