England and France Develop

A. Using Sequential Order As you read about the democratic traditions that evolved as England and France developed into nations, answer questions about the timeline below. 

1066: The Battle of Hastings is fought. 

1. How did this event affect the course of English history? 

• After Harold was killed by an arrow that pierced his eye, the Normans won a decisive victory.
• William declared all of England his
• English lords who supported Harold lost the land they owned
• William then granted their lands to about 200 Norman lords who swore oaths of loyalty personally to him
• unified control of the lands 
• created foundation for centralized government in England

1154: Henry II becomes ruler of England

2. How did Henry II strengthen England’s legal system? 

• sent royal judges to every part of England at least once a year
• collected taxes
• settled lawsuits
• Punished crimes
• introduced the use of the jury in English courts

1204: Philip II of France regains Normandy from the English. 

3. How did Philip strengthen the central government in France? 

• he greatly increased the territory of France
• Seized Normandy from King John and in two years had gained more territory
• had tripled the lands under his direct control
• become more powerful than any of his vassals
• established royal officials called bailiffs
• Taxes

1215: The Magna Carta is signed by King John of England. 

4. Why is this document so important? 

•  guaranteed certain basic political rights
• Limited the king’s powers
• English people of all classes argued that certain clauses
• applied to every citizen
• included no taxation without representation 
• a jury trial
• protection of the law
• basic legal rights both in England and in the United States

1226: Louis IX becomes king of France. 

5. How did Louis strengthen the monarchy while weakening feudal ties? 

• French appeals court, which could overturn the decisions of local courts
• royal courts of France

1295:Model Parliament meets during reign of Edward I of England. 

6. How was this meeting a major step toward democratic government? 

• it provided a check on royal power
• House of Commons
• legislative group
• all must obey the law, even the king

TERMS & NAMES 1. For each term or name, write a sentence explaining its significance.

• William the Conqueror: The invader was William, duke of Normandy

• Henry II: English king who added to these holdings by marrying Eleanor of Aquitaine from France

• common law: the rulings of England’s royal judges formed a unified body of law that became known as

• Magna Carta: This document, drawn up by English nobles and reluctantly approved by King John, guaranteed certain basic political rights. The nobles wanted to safeguard their own feudal rights and limit the king’s powers.

• parliament: legislative group 

• Hugh Capet: an undistinguished duke from the middle of France

• Philip II: One of the most powerful Capetians called Philip Augustus, who ruled from 1180 to 1223.

• Estates-General: Church leaders were known as the First Estate, and the great lords as the Second Estate. The commoners, wealthy landholders or merchants, that Philip invited to participate in the council became known as the Third Estate.

2. Which of the steps toward democratic government are similar to U.S. practices?

Explain.

The leader has to obey the rules also, representation, and certain basic rights.

MAIN IDEAS

3. What two legal practices date back to Henry II?

royal courts of justice, punished crimes

4. What are some basic rights guaranteed by the Magna Carta?

safeguard their own rights and limit the king’s powers.

5. Why did Philip II call the Estates-General together?

the Third Estate would play a key role in overthrowing the French

monarchy during the French Revolution.