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In her blog The death of Edward the Confessor and the conflicting claims to the English Crown Dr Jessica Nelson argues that 'Edward himself should shoulder some of the blame for the succession crisis.' How far do you agree with this view? - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 8 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 8
In her blog The death of Edward the Confessor and the conflicting claims to the English Crown Dr Jessica Nelson argues that 'Edward himself should shoulder some of t... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In her blog The death of Edward the Confessor and the conflicting claims to the English Crown Dr Jessica Nelson argues that 'Edward himself should shoulder some of the blame for the succession crisis.' How far do you agree with this view? - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 8 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Evaluate Edward's Promises Regarding Succession
Answer
One significant argument is that Edward made promises regarding succession, notably to William of Normandy. After the death of King Edward in 1066, there was confusion about the rightful heir. Edward had explicitly promised the crown to William but also seemed to have assured Harold Godwinson. This inconsistency in his promises created a foundation for the succession crisis.
Step 2
Explore Influence of Advisory and Political Pressure
Answer
Another aspect to consider is the political environment of the time. Edward was heavily influenced by his advisors, which affected his decisions regarding succession. Balancing the demands of powerful nobles such as Harold Godwinson and William of Normandy likely complicated his ability to designate a clear successor, indicating a lack of foresight on Edward's part.
Step 3
Assess Edward's Role in the Crisis
Answer
Furthermore, Edward's failure to take decisive action in solidifying a clear heir before his passing suggests a level of irresponsibility. If Edward had recognized the potential consequences of his indecision, he might have prevented the ensuing conflict. His approach can be seen as neglecting his duty, contributing significantly to the chaos that unfolded after his death.
Step 4
Conclude on Edward's Accountability
Answer
In conclusion, while many factors contributed to the succession crisis, Edward's ambiguous promises, inability to navigate the political landscape, and lack of proactive measures regarding succession place considerable blame on him. Therefore, I agree with Dr. Nelson's assertion that Edward should indeed shoulder some of the responsibility for the ensuing turmoil.