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Explain why the barons forced King John to agree to Magna Carta in 1215. - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 2
Explain why the barons forced King John to agree to Magna Carta in 1215.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain why the barons forced King John to agree to Magna Carta in 1215. - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
The barons' discontent with King John's rule
Answer
King John's reign was marked by a series of conflicts and failures that led to widespread discontent among the barons. His heavy taxation and military failures, particularly in the loss of territories in France, caused financial strain and resentment. The barons believed that John was abusing his power and neglecting their rights, which fueled their desire to compel him into agreeing to limitations on his authority.
Step 2
The conflict with the Church
Answer
King John's contentious relationship with Pope Innocent III further aggravated his position. In 1207, John was excommunicated and England was placed under interdict due to his refusal to accept the Pope's choice for the Archbishop of Canterbury. This conflict not only undermined John's legitimacy but also united the barons against him, pushing them to demand reforms in the monarch’s power through the Magna Carta.
Step 3
The need for a stable governance framework
Answer
The barons recognized the necessity of establishing a stable governance framework that rather than royal whims dictated the rule of law. They aimed to ensure that the king could not arbitrarily impose taxes or make decisions without consent. The Magna Carta was seen as a means to guarantee their rights and establish a precedent for a government based on laws rather than the will of an individual.