The Magna Carta - 1215
Who do you think was the worst king of England? Let's find out in this lesson today.
Richard the Lionhearted had a brother named John. Richard was loved by all the people of England, but when he died, his brother became the next king. John was one of the worst kings in England's History. There was an argument between the Pope and John about who should be the bishop in England. The Pope was so distressed that he threatened to close all the church doors!
John was an unkind king. He put heavy taxes on the people and threatened his subjects, which made them mad. John also did not go along with the rights of the people, to which they were entitled.
The words 'Magna Carta' come from the words, 'Great Charter'. The barons forced John to place his seal on the Magna Carta. They wanted to be guaranteed certain rights and they needed protection as well. So, on June 15, 1215, the barons forced John to place his seal on this Magna Carta, which also ensured that the King himself was subject to the law.
But John went back on his word not too long after he signed the Magna Carta. The barons were really angry and a civil war broke out, which ended up bringing about the death of King John. John had a nine year old son, who took the throne. The charter became the law of England in 1225 and King John's son, Henry III also rebelled against the Magna Carta. The nobles did what was necessary to bring Henry III back into line. One good thing that came out of the Magna Carta was that it did much to establish property rights, in much the same way as we enjoy them today.
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