Chapter 5

Magna Carta

Written legal agreement signed in 1215 that limited the English monarchs power.

Describe the spread of the bubonic plague in the 14th century.

1. The plague probably originated in Central Asia. 2. It then travels along trade route to the Black Sea. 3. It it then carried on a ship to Italy. 4. It then spreads north and west throughout the continent of Europe and to England.

What changes did Magna Carta bring about in English government?

A monarch could no longer collect special taxes without the consent of nobles and Church officials. No "free man" could be jailed except by the lawful judgement of his peers or by the law of the land. It also introduced the idea that not even a monarch was above the law.

Heretic

A person who holds a belief that is opposite to a set of religious teachings.

What were some examples of how the outbreak of the bubonic plague in Europe contributed to the decline of feudalism and the rise of democratic thought?

Bubonic Plague: Power shifted a bit from nobles to common people because, since so many workers had died, the few who remained could demand higher pay and more rights; serfs abandoned feudal manors and moved to towns and cities, seeking better opportunities; peasant revolts also occurred when nobles tried to return things to the way they had been.

What changes did Henry II make to the English legal system and how did these changes affect feudalism?

He insisted that a jury formally accuse a person of a serious crime. People were tried by royal judges and had to have a court trial. By strengthening royal courts, he weakened the power of feudal lords.

Why was Thomas Becket killed?

Henry's effort to strengthen royal authority led to a serious conflict with the Catholic Church.

List examples of how the outbreak of war in Europe contributed to the decline of feudalism and the rise of democratic right.

Hundred Years' War: the war shifted power from lords to monarchs and common people; military technology used in the war made knights and castles less important; a new feeling of nationalism helped to shift power from lords and towards monarchs and commoners; peasants who survived the war were more in demand as soldiers and workers and therefore had greater power.

What was the Model Parliament and why as it created?

It was an English governing body created by Edward I that included commoners, lower-ranking clergy, Church officials and nobles. It was intended to include more people in the government.

Habeas corpus

Legal concept that an accused person can't be jailed indefinitely without being charged with a crime.

What were some of the Political Events and how did they contribute to the decline of feudalism and rise of democratic thought?

Political Events: Magna Carta limited the power of English monarchs and affirmed that monarchs should rule with the advice of the governed; Henry II's legal reforms strengthened common law, judges, and juries; and Edward I's Model Parliament gave a voice to some common people.

Who was Joan of Arc? What did she do for the French during the Hundred Years' War?

She was a 17-year-old peasant girl who claimed she heard the voices of saints urging her to save France. She led a French army to victory in 1429 in the battle of Orléans. Her actions inspired many French people to feel more strongly about their King and nation.

Why were the English able to defeat the French in early battles, such as the one at Crécy?

The English army relied on archers armed with longbows. Arrows fired from longbows flew farther, faster, and more accurately than those fired from French crossbows.

What was the purpose of the Magna Carta?

The Magna Carta was a written legal agreement that limited the Kings power and strengthened the rights of nobles. It also contributed the ideas about individual rights and liberties. The Magna Carta gave common people a say in government

How was the plague spread?

The bacteria that caused the plague were spread by fleas. The dirty conditions of the time significantly contributed to the spread of the disease.

Why was the plague called the "Black Death"? What were some of the common symptoms?

The term probably came from the black-and-blue spots, or buboes, that appeared on the skin of many victims. Symtoms included fever, vomiting, coughing and sneezing, and swelling.

How did the Hundred Years' War start?

The war began when the King of France challenged England's claim to French fiefs.