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6 (a) In Interpretation A, the film makers argue that Norman rule was harsh - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 6
6 (a) In Interpretation A, the film makers argue that Norman rule was harsh. Identify and explain one way in which they do this. Interpretation A – A still image fr... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:6 (a) In Interpretation A, the film makers argue that Norman rule was harsh - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify and explain one way in which they do this.
Answer
The film makers argue that Norman rule was harsh by highlighting the authoritative power that William I holds through the Domesday Book. The quote from William, 'At last, now it is written down, it is law,' emphasizes the extent of control he has over the people and their lands. By documenting ownership and resources, it suggests that the Normans exerted strict governance, which could be viewed as oppressive. This reflects a transition from a more decentralized system of feudalism to an authoritative rule, indicating that the Normans imposed their will through administrative means.
Step 2
If you were asked to further research one aspect of Interpretation A, what would you choose to investigate? Explain how this would help us to analyse and understand how the Normans ruled England to 1087.
Answer
I would choose to investigate the societal implications of the Domesday Book. Researching how the Domesday Book was used to assess wealth and tax liabilities would provide insight into the administrative mechanisms of Norman rule. It would help to analyze the impact on local populations, revealing whether they experienced increased taxation and loss of autonomy. Understanding how this record-keeping influenced everyday life can deepen our comprehension of the Normans' methods of control and governance, as well as their legacy in establishing a centralized authority in England.