Social Studies 8.2

Danish Invaders

Vikings who, in the 800s, invaded, traded, and often took silver and slaves (thralls) from England.

Alfred the Great

King of the Anglo-Saxons from 871 to 899, he successfully unified the land to form 'England'.

Canute

Danish king who conquered England in 1016, merging Danish and Anglo-Saxon cultures.

Harold Godwinson

Claimed the English throne after Edward the Confessor's death, defeated at the Battle of Hastings.

William the Conqueror

Duke of Normandy who invaded England in 1066, claiming the throne as a cousin of Edward the Confessor.

Edward the Confessor

Anglo-Saxon king whose death in 1066 sparked a succession crisis leading to the Norman Conquest.

Battle of Hastings

A pivotal battle in 1066 in which William the Conqueror defeated Harold Godwinson.

Norman Nobles

Lords given land by William the Conqueror after the conquest of England.

Magna Carta

The 'Great Charter' signed in 1215 limiting the powers of the king and established legal rights.

Common Law

A unified legal system formed over centuries by royal judges, promoting consistent and fair verdicts.

John Softsword

King John, whose poor leadership and conflicts with nobles led to the signing of the Magna Carta.

Habeas Corpus

A legal principle preventing unlawful detention without evidence or trial by peers.

Trial by Jury

A legal process where a person's fate is determined by a group of their peers.

Church Independence

Clause in the Magna Carta ensuring the king cannot interfere with church affairs.

Rights of Freemen

Magna Carta guaranteed that no freeman could be imprisoned without a proper trial.

Taxation Consent

The requirement set forth in Magna Carta that the king cannot levy new taxes without baronial consent.

Land Inheritance Regulations

Magna Carta stipulated that barons should pay no more than £100 when inheriting land.

Freedom from Bribery

Magna Carta mandated that justice must be rendered without delays or bribery.

Baronial Power

The increased influence of nobles as a result of the Magna Carta limiting the king's authority.

Peasant Rights

Limited benefits under the Magna Carta, highlighting unequal treatment in medieval society.

Freedom of Movement

Magna Carta allowed traders to travel freely without needing to pay tolls.

Royal Judges

Judges sent by Henry II to uphold and enforce common law throughout England.

Conflict Over Normandy

Reasons behind John Softsword's unpopularity due to losses of lands in Normandy.

Edward's Succession Crisis

The period following Edward the Confessor's death that led to competing claims for the throne.

William's Feudal System

Land distribution by William the Conqueror establishing a new socio-political order in England.

Alfred's Legacy

Legacy of unifying England under a single Anglo-Saxon rule for the first time.

Danish Longships

Innovative naval technology used by Vikings, enabling their raids and trades.

Norman Conquest Impact

The major socio-political transformation in England following William's victory in 1066.

Stamford Bridge

Location of Harold Godwinson's victory over Norwegian king Harold Hadrada.

Legal Rights Framework

The foundations for future rights in democracy, as laid out in the articles of Magna Carta.

Judiciary Training

The requirement from Magna Carta that those enforcing the law must be well educated in it.

Rollo, Viking Leader

A Viking who was granted land in Normandy, an ancestor to William the Conqueror.

Harold's March

The rapid 240-mile march conducted by Harold Godwinson to confront William after Stamford Bridge.

Rights of Nobility

Magna Carta established norms that benefited the nobility over other social classes.

King’s Men’s Authority

Restrictions placed on the king’s men in terms of taking goods or imposing penalties.

Baronial Revolt

The uprising of nobles against King John that resulted in the Magna Carta.

Civil Liberties Growth

The gradual expansion of personal freedoms set in motion by the Magna Carta.

Laws of the Realm

The requirement that only those knowledgeable of the law are appointed as justices.

Historical Context of Magna Carta

The political turbulence and dissatisfaction with King John's rule leading to the 1215 document.

Viking Settlement Patterns

Vikings not only raided but also settled parts of England, impacting later culture.

Legitimate Arrest Standards

Magna Carta's condition that arrests require credible witnesses and lawful judgment.

Noble Rights in Inheritance

Legal precedent established concerning the inheritance rights of barons as per Magna Carta.

John's Alienation from Church

King John’s conflicts with the church which contributed to his problems with nobles.

Constitutional Principles

Ideals laid out by Magna Carta that influenced the development of constitutional governments.

Jurisprudence Development

Evolution of legal principles and their foundations established through common law.

Invasion and Conquest Cycles

The pattern of invasions by Vikings, contributing to the complex demographics of England.

Danish Influence on Language

The lasting impact of Danish invaders on the English language and cultural aspects.

Edward the Confessor’s Reign

Marked by relative peace before the turbulent succession and eventual conquest.

Trial By Jury’s Importance

A critical aspect of fairness in the legal system that echoes democratic ideals today.

Viking Warrior Culture

The societal structure and values of Vikings, emphasizing bravery, skills, and raiding prowess.