King John's Power
History: KS3, topic 2.4.2
King John's Power
King John tried to increase his personal power, to combat the rising power of his barons. This made him very unpopular.
Taxation
- King John needed to recover the country’s treasury and modernise the state.
- King John had to collect more taxes to fund Richard I’s expeditions to the Holy Land. For example, he introduced a tax on the land of noblemen.
Reducing the power of barons
- King John was implementing reforms which reduced the power of noblemen.
- King John did this by modernising his government.
- This made him very unpopular.
Controlling the kingdom
- King John also tried to exert his power over Ireland and Scotland, as well as England.
- He got the King of Scotland to sign a peace treaty with him.
Test yourself on King John's Power
What did King John collect to fund Richard I's expeditions?
Who signed a peace treaty with King John?