#12 - The Magna Carta

Happy 800th Birthday, Magna Carta!

by Sam Green

On June 15th, 1215, the Magna Carta was formed by King John in order to find peace. Religious conflict was prevalent during this time; King John and pope Innocent III were practically at each others necks. John alienated the barons as well, capturing a runaway's wife and son as hostages and killing them by leaving them in castle Corfe. England was in turmoil, dissidents were prosecuted or fled, and the civilians and clergy were not allowed to go to mass. King John was afraid of possible invasion by the barons and further turmoil, so he went through humiliation by kneeling for the pope in front of the clergy and barons of England. They were not pleased however, so King John's need for peace between the barons and himself was the creation of the Magna Carta, his terms for peace. It ended up failing, due to past occurrences of monarchs making promises that they didn't keep. As time went on though, future monarchs used it to weaken English rebellion. It "went out of fashion" in the 18th and 19th centuries, but instead became quite famous in the West, America.

Q1. OMG what was the king's hostage doing to her son??!!??!

Q2. At the time, what was England's relationship with its neighbors?

Q3. Why did King John agree to the Magna Carta?

Q4. What was the impact of the Magna Carta at the time?

Q5. How did later kings use the charter to their advantage?

Q6. How did Edward Coke revive the importance of the charter?

Q7. How did American colonial leaders use the Magna Carta?

Q8. Why is the Magna Carta more important to modern Americans than to the British?

A1. They were found to be chewing on his cheek. Weirdo.

A2. England was being their normal oppressive self, so the surrounding lands, i.e. Wales, France, Scotland, and Rome, chose to attempt to overthrow it.

A3. The rebels of London had gained an upper hand. As to ensure he were to receive the best results in regards to himself, he chose to submit to their demands and sign the Magna Carta.

A4. There was basically little to no impact. Though, King John did walk away as a laughing stock.

A5. Later kings decided to galvanize it, using it to impose taxes, force domestic peace, and more.

A6. He used it as a revolutionary to make sure it appeared that he was nothing to be afraid of, instead being someone that should be supported.

A7. The used it the same way the 17th Century revolutionaries did and quoted it against the British government.

A8. Lawyers and such today use it in court cases. The American Constitution, that is still used today, has roots in it.