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Section 5: Democratic Developments in England In medieval England, the Christian church, the nobility, and monarchy had all the power and wealth I. Growth of Royal Power
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Section 5: Democratic Developments in England In medieval England, the Christian church, the nobility, and monarchy had all the power and wealth I. Growth of Royal Power A. Feudalism—a loosely organized system of rule where powerful landowners (nobles) divide their land with smaller land owners (vassals) for protection due to invasions by Vikings B. The church and nobles protected their rights and privileges from the king
William the Conqueror and the Norman knights took over England at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 C.E. • In 1154, Henry II came to power and set up English common law (a legal system based on custom and court rulings) • Set up juries for trials II. Evolving Traditions of Government • Henry II got into battles with nobles and church leaders • John, Henry’s son, was forced to sign the Magna Carta, or Great Charter in 1215 • Magna Carta gave nobles and the church rights (arrest and imprisonment outlawed w/o trial)due process of law
Could not raise taxes w/o consultation no taxation w/o representation • king had to obey laws • In 1200s, the Great Council evolved into Parliament • Parliament developed into two-houses: • House of Lords Nobles and clergy • House of Commons knights and middle-class H. Hundred Years’ War War with France from 1337-1453; gave Parliament more power and put king in check
III. Triumph of Parliament • From 1483-1603, the Tudor dynasty ruled England (Henry VIII, Elizabeth I) • Henry VIII broke from Rome and formed Church of England (Protestant Reformation) • The Stuarts took over and clashed with Parliament ”century of revolution” • Absolute monarch—a ruler with complete authority over gov’t and lives of people • English civil war, 1642-1649, fought by Charles I and nobles against Oliver Cromwell and Parliament • Cromwell and Parliament win and execute the king impacted all of Europe
G. England became a republic, known as the Commonwealth, with Cromwell in charge • after Cromwell’s death, Charles II came to power, supported by Catholics • James II, Charles’ brother, became king in 1685 and installed Catholics in office • Parliament supported William and Mary and James II went to France Glorious Revolution
English Bill of Rights—had to be signed by William and Mary before taking power • Parliament had power over monarchy • Habeas Corpus — no prison w/o being charged • Limited monarchy—a constitution or legislative body limit the monarch’s power not a democracy