2.4.5

The Barons' Rebellion

Test yourself

The Barons' Rebellion

Following the failure in Normandy, King John was exposed as a weak ruler. English barons took advantage of this and launched their own rebellion.

Illustrative background for Conditions for rebellionIllustrative background for Conditions for rebellion ?? "content

Conditions for rebellion

  • King John’s authority was undermined following the defeat at the Battle of Bouvines.
  • The barons were angry with King John because he had raised a tax on them to fund his military campaign in France.
  • In May 1215 AD, 40 barons openly gave up their ties to the king. By doing so, they showed they were not loyal to the king anymore.
Illustrative background for Course of rebellionIllustrative background for Course of rebellion ?? "content

Course of rebellion

  • The barons staged a rebellion. They organised a mercenary army - called the ‘Army of God’ - and on the 17th of May 1215 AD they seized London.
Illustrative background for NegotiationsIllustrative background for Negotiations ?? "content

Negotiations

  • On the 15th June 1215, King John met the rebels at Runnymede and agreed to their demands.
  • This was called the Magna Carta (meaning ‘Great Charter’).
Illustrative background for King John changes his mindIllustrative background for King John changes his mind ?? "content

King John changes his mind

  • But, King John later rejected the Magna Carta (claiming he had been forced to sign it under duress).
  • This led to France invading England (with the support of Scotland).
  • In October 1216 AD, King John attempted to cross the Wash (an estuary in Eastern England). He lost all of his treasures and had little hope.
  • On the 18th of October 1216, King John died.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium