MIDDLE AGES
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CHAPTER 9 SECTION 3
BLUEBOOK
Kings, Lords/nobles, Church leaders all fought each other to gain power over one
another throughout Middle Ages.
From these fights emerged nations such as England and France.
In England, 1042, Edward (the Confessor) became King. He dies in 1066 but had
no sons to inherit the throne.
The Duke of Normandy (northern France), William, a cousin of Edwards claimed
the throne of England. He had to fight for the throne and won. He became
William the Conqueror, King of England.
To keep order, William introduced the idea of feudalism to the people. He
learned this in France.
William dies 1087. Confusion as to who would rule until 1154 when William's
great grandson, Henry II became King of England.
Henry II was also a feudal lord in France. He made English laws so that he was
the head of government. He took land from nobles and church leaders. He told
the Church that they had to obey him. Henry II made himself the most powerful.
Church leaders didn't like Henry's actions. They argued and some murders
occurred. Henry backed down and allowed Church leaders to be governed by the
Church and not Henry.
Henry II dies 1189. His oldest son, Richard, become King of England. He spent
most of his time fighting in the Crusades.
Richard dies 1199. His brother, John, became king of England. John increased
England's tax and ignored laws.
John's actions caused Nobles/lords to threaten John. Nobles threatened to revolt if
John wouldn't change.
King John was forced to sign a document called the Magna Carta in 1215. In
English called the Great Charter.
Magna Carta LIMITED the power of the King and protected the rights of nobles
and citizens. It said:
1. King can't collect new taxes without advisors (made of church leaders and
nobles) oking it. NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION.
2. King must pay for land taken.
3. there will be a judge by a jury of peers, not the King.
4. King must obey law like everyone else.
 In the end, this story says that even the King is NOT above the law. Power can be
limited.