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Unit 4. Medieval Origins of the Modern State. Geography. The Birth of England. History 5 th Century invaders ( Angles, Saxons and Jutes ) Locals Alfred the Great (Wessex 871-899) United the 7 kingdoms against the Danish Vikings Won support as King of all England
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Unit 4 Medieval Origins of the Modern State
The Birth of England • History • 5th Century invaders (Angles, Saxons and Jutes) • Locals • Alfred the Great (Wessex 871-899) • United the 7 kingdoms against the Danish Vikings • Won support as King of all England • Began tradition of “consulting” his Barons • Limited monarchy
The problems of succession • Edward the Confessor (1042-1066) his death with no heir caused a number of problems • English Barons elect Harold II • William Duke of Normandy claims Edward promised him the throne • William finally invades and defeated Harold II at the Battle of Hastings in October of 1066
William I (1066-1087) • Subdued Saxon revolts • Built castles • Gave his Norman Barons 5/6 of the land • Loyalty oaths • Domesday Book (1085) Census
John I (1199-1216) • “Lackland” lost Normandy early • Heavy debt (lots of new taxes), confiscated Church property, abusive and corrupt • 1215 at Runnymede forced to sign Magna Carta • Limited monarchy • Preserved the rights of the Nobles against the monarchy (ex: Taxation) • Mostly ignored by English Kings but still considered the cornerstone of modern English law
Rule of law • Powers and privileges of the king are clearly defined and limited • Charter provides for enforcement of restrictions placed on the king • Fairness of the laws and their execution • "Reasonable" rules and regulations • Equal justice under the law • Recognition of customs, traditions, and established rights • Restoration of property and fines if not justly taken • Punishment in proportion to the crime • Commitment to "due process of law" • Established procedures • No trial without evidence/testimony to support accusations • Reliance on local courts and magistrates • Trials held in a timely manner • Trials open to the public • Trial by a jury of one's peers • Respect for economic rights • Right to property • Fairness in economic transactions—standard weights and measures • Reimbursement for and/or restoration of property • Freedom for merchants to move in order to conduct business
France • The Capetian dynasty (replaced the Carolingians • They controlled very little land • Most of the country dominated by powerful feudal princes • Slowly established a solid power base and eventually imposed their will on French Nobles
Phillip II Augustus • King at 25 • Took Normandy back from John in 1204 • Claimed John forfeited the land because he failed to appear at the French court • New administration (Royal over local) • Absolute Monarchy is the result • Estates General too weak (Nobles not unified)