2. Medival England: From Hastings to Bosworth (1066-1485). Socioeconomic changes (from tribal societies to modern-era capitalism)

What was the character of the early Middle Ages in Britain?

It was marked by a struggle between the centralizing power of the king and the barons, as well as the development of trade and towns.

What were some of William the Conqueror’s main actions after the Norman Conquest in 1066?

He established a strong centralized state, granted land to his barons, and created the Domesday Book to assess land value and taxation.

What was the purpose of the Domesday Book?

a detailed survey of English counties, recording land size, value, and estate ownership, which helped create a taxation system.

How did Henry I contribute to the centralization of the English government?

established the Exchequer to manage Crown revenue collection through sheriffs.

What was Henry II’s main contribution to the English legal system?

established royal central courts, including the King's Bench, and laid the foundations for the jury system.

What was the conflict between Henry II and Thomas Becket about?

over the jurisdiction of the Church and the Crown. Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, resisted royal authority, leading to his murder.

What important event happened during King John’s reign in 1215?

forced by barons to sign the Magna Carta, which limited his absolute power and laid the foundation for parliamentary monarchy.

What did the Magna Carta guarantee?

the King could not raise taxes without consent, that all freemen had the right to a fair trial, and limited the power of the monarchy.

What was significant about the First Parliament summoned by Simon de Montfort in 1265?

It was the first parliament that included representatives from the common people, laying the groundwork for future parliamentary development.

What was Edward I’s Model Parliament of 1295?

It was a representative parliament that included Barons, Clergy, and Commons, laying the foundations for the future British parliamentary system.

What was the significance of the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314?

It was a major defeat for England, where Robert Bruce’s Scottish forces defeated Edward II’s army, strengthening Scotland’s independence.

How did the Hundred Years War (1337-1453) start?

It began due to Edward III’s claim to the French throne, compounded by disputes over trade and territorial control, especially in Flanders and Gascony.

What were the major English successes in the early stages of the Hundred Years War?

Victories at Crécy and Poitiers led to the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360, with England gaining territories in France and Calais.

What factors contributed to France’s difficulties in the early stages of the Hundred Years War?

France lacked a strong central government, had an undisciplined army, and struggled with internal divisions.

What was the Peasants' Revolt of 1381 about?

It was a reaction to oppressive taxes, such as the Poll Tax, economic hardship, and the desire to abolish serfdom and wage restrictions.

What did the peasants demand during the 1381 Revolt?

They demanded the abolition of serfdom, the Statute of Labourers, removal of restrictions on freedom of labor and trade, and a more equal society.

What was the outcome of the Peasants' Revolt of 1381?

: Despite initial victories, the revolt was crushed after the death of leader Wat Tyler, with many insurgents executed and promises broken.

What was the result of the Battle of Agincourt in 1415?

It was a decisive victory for England, leading to the Treaty of Troyes in 1420, where Henry V was acknowledged as heir to the French throne.

: How did Joan of Arc influence the Hundred Years War?

Joan of Arc inspired the French forces and helped them defend Orleans, leading to French victories and a shift in the war’s momentum.

What were the consequences of the Hundred Years War?

England faced internal instability, economic hardship, and political disarray, leading to the Wars of the Roses. It also stimulated a sense of national identity.

What were the Wars of the Roses about?

The Wars of the Roses (1455-1485) were a series of civil wars for control of the English throne between two rival factions: the Lancastrians (red rose) and the Yorkists (white rose).

What was the significance of the Battle of Bosworth in 1485?

It marked the end of the Wars of the Roses, with Henry Tudor defeating Richard III and becoming King Henry VII, uniting the warring factions through marriage.

How did the English language evolve during the late Middle Ages?

English was declared the official language in courts in 1362, and it became more commonly used in schools, literature, and government.

Who was Geoffrey Chaucer and what was his contribution to English literature?

Geoffrey Chaucer was the author of "The Canterbury Tales," a landmark work in English literature, offering a vivid portrayal of 14th-century society

What was the Lollardy movement?

Lollardy, inspired by John Wycliffe, was a religious reform movement that criticized the Catholic Church and advocated for the translation of the Bible into English.

What was the dominant architectural style in the late Middle Ages?

The Gothic architectural style, characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, was dominant during this period.

How did the feudal system evolve in the Middle Ages?

The feudal system involved land distribution and military service, with peasants working the land in exchange for protection, and vassals providing service to their lords.

What led to the decline of feudalism in England during the 14th and 15th centuries?

The economic and social upheavals caused by wars, the Black Death, and rising commercial trade weakened the traditional feudal system.

What was the role of trade and towns in medieval England?

The growth of towns and trade allowed for the development of a more market-based economy, reducing the reliance on traditional feudal agricultural systems.

What was the role of the English monarchy in shaping the country’s legal and administrative system during the Middle Ages?

Kings like Henry II and Edward I centralized power, established legal systems like common law, and utilized Parliament as a tool to manage finances and governance.