Chapter 11 Sec 1

What role did feudal monarchs play in society?

Feudal monarchs stood at the head of society but had little power and relied on vassals and the military.

Who had as much or more power than the monarchs during feudal times?

Nobles and the Church.

What were the three powers held by nobles and the Church?

They had their own courts, collected their own taxes, and fielded their own armies.

Who claimed the English throne after King Edward died?

Duke William of Normandy.

Who was given the English throne instead of Duke William?

Harold, King Edward’s brother-in-law.

What two things did Duke William do to secure the throne?

He raised an army and got the backing of the Pope.

What battle determined the next king of England?

The Battle of Hastings.

When did William the Conqueror assume the English crown?

Christmas Day, 1066.

What type of ruler was William the Conqueror?

He was a feudal king who maintained control over land, people, markets, and the Church.

What was the name of the census William created?

The Domesday Book.

Which king inherited the throne in 1154?

Henry II.

What was Common Law?

A legal system based on custom and court rulings that applied to all of England.

What early legal system did Henry II develop?

The jury system.

What was the purpose of a jury in Henry II’s legal system?

A group of men sworn to speak the truth.

Why did the Church oppose Henry II?

Because Henry II claimed that he could try the clergy in royal courts.

Who was Henry II’s son?

King John.

What were King John’s main personality traits?

He was clever, greedy, cruel, and untrustworthy.

Who were the three powerful enemies John faced?

King Philip of France, Pope Innocent III, and his own English nobles.

What happened when King John lost a war with Philip II in 1205?

He lost valuable land in France.

Why did John clash with Pope Innocent III?

Because John disliked the Pope’s choice for Archbishop of Canterbury.

What action did the Pope take against John?

He excommunicated him.

What year was the Magna Carta signed?

1215.

Why did a group of barons force King John to sign the Magna Carta?

To affirm their feudal rights and limit the king’s power.

What were the two key ideas of the Magna Carta?

Nobles had certain rights, and the monarchy must obey the law.

What legal protection did the Magna Carta grant to freemen?

Protection from arbitrary arrest, imprisonment, and other legal actions.

What was the Great Council of Nobles?

A group that monarchs called upon to help make laws.

What did the Great Council of Nobles evolve into?

Parliament.

What were the two houses of Parliament?

House of Lords and House of Commons.

Who made up the House of Lords?

Nobles and high clergy.

Who made up the House of Commons?

Knights and the middle class.

Who was elected as king of France in 987?

Hugh Capet.

Why was Hugh Capet initially elected?

Because he was too weak to pose a threat to the high council.

How did Hugh Capet and his heirs strengthen the monarchy?

They passed the throne from father to son and gained support from the Church.

What did the Capetians build to strengthen their rule?

An effective bureaucracy.

What kind of ruler was Philip II?

He was a shrewd and able ruler who strengthened the royal government.

How did Philip II reduce the power of nobles?

He paid middle-class officials to work in government.

What military improvement did Philip II make?

He organized a standing army.

What economic policy did Philip II introduce?

A new national tax.

How did Philip II gain territory for France?

He took land from England in the north and gained land in the south.

By the time of his death in 1223, how was Philip II viewed?

As the most powerful ruler in Europe.

When did Louis IX become king?

1226.

What were some of Louis IX’s qualities?

He was generous, noble, and devoted to justice and chivalry.

What religious status did Louis IX achieve after his death?

He was declared a saint within 30 years.

What military campaigns did Louis IX lead?

Two wars against Muslims.

How did Louis IX strengthen the monarchy?

He expanded royal courts, outlawed private wars, and ended serfdom.

Which Pope did Philip IV clash with?

Pope Boniface VIII.

What issue caused the conflict between Philip IV and Pope Boniface VIII?

Philip IV wanted to tax the clergy without papal consent.

How did Philip IV react when the Pope forbade him from taxing the clergy?

He threatened to arrest clergy who refused to pay.

What extreme action did Philip IV take against the Pope?

He sent men to seize Pope Boniface VIII.

What happened to Pope Boniface VIII after Philip IV’s attack?

He was badly beaten and later died from his injuries.

What major change did the new Pope make after Boniface VIII’s death?

He moved the papal court to Avignon, giving French rulers control over the Church.