A-Level History (AQA) > 2A Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1216 > Flashcards

2A Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1216 Flashcards

Evaluate the development of royal authority and political conflict during the Angevin monarchy. (136 cards)

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1
Q

What was the main political problem facing England when Henry II became king in 1154?

A

Weak royal authority

Stephen’s reign had left many barons powerful and the crown less able to enforce order.

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2
Q

Which civil conflict before 1154 had weakened England and helped create disorder?

A

The Anarchy

The struggle between Stephen and Matilda damaged royal control and local stability.

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3
Q

What personal quality most strengthened Henry II’s rule at the start of his reign?

A

Energy

Henry was active, determined and closely involved in government and military affairs.

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4
Q

What was Henry II’s most important political aim on becoming king?

A

Restore royal authority

He wanted to recover the power, lands and rights lost under Stephen.

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5
Q

What gave Henry II a strong dynastic claim to the English throne?

A

Angevin inheritance

He was Matilda’s son and also had extensive lands in France through family ties.

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6
Q

Which marriage greatly increased Henry II’s power in France?

A

His marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine

This brought Aquitaine under his control and expanded his continental dominance.

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7
Q

What weakness in Henry II’s position remained despite his strong accession in 1154?

A

Overmighty barons

Some nobles had built castles and private power bases during Stephen’s reign.

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8
Q

Which group did Henry II target first to restore control inside England?

A

The barons

He moved against unauthorised castles and challenged noble independence.

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9
Q

Fill in the blank:

Henry II’s destruction of illegal fortifications helped reduce the power of _____ barons.

A

rebellious

Many castles had been built without proper royal consent during Stephen’s reign.

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10
Q

What financial institution helped Henry II improve royal income collection?

A

The Exchequer

It supervised revenue and made crown finance more organised and effective.

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11
Q

Which tax on landholding remained a major source of royal income under Henry II?

A

Feudal dues

These included payments owed by tenants-in-chief to the king.

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12
Q

What payment could Henry II collect instead of military service from knights?

A

Scutage

This money payment allowed the king to hire mercenaries instead.

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13
Q

Why was scutage useful to Henry II?

A

It increased flexibility

It gave him cash for campaigns rather than relying only on feudal levies.

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14
Q

Which legal reform increased the use of sworn local men to present cases to royal judges?

A

The Assize of Clarendon

Issued in 1166, it strengthened royal justice and crime detection.

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15
Q

What was the main effect of expanding royal justice under Henry II?

A

Greater central control

More cases came under the king’s courts instead of private or local jurisdictions.

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16
Q

Which travelling officials helped spread royal justice into the counties?

A

Justices in eyre

Their circuits made royal law more visible and enforceable across the realm.

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17
Q

What was the political role of the Church in twelfth-century England?

A

A major governing force

Bishops and archbishops were influential landholders and royal servants.

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18
Q

Why were ecclesiastical courts important in Henry II’s reign?

A

They handled church cases

They dealt with clergy, marriage, morality and other matters under canon law.

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19
Q

What issue caused tension between Church and Crown over legal authority?

A

Criminous clerks

Henry wanted clergy accused of serious crimes to face stronger royal justice.

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20
Q

Why was the Church economically important in England?

A

It held vast wealth

The Church owned land, collected rents and influenced local economic life.

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21
Q

Which overseas territory did Henry II rule as duke and use as a power base?

A

Normandy

Normandy linked the English crown to northern France and was vital strategically.

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22
Q

Which large southern French territory came to Henry II through Eleanor?

A

Aquitaine

Its size and distance also made it difficult to control fully.

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23
Q

What title described Henry II’s authority in Ireland before full conquest?

A

Lordship of Ireland

Henry claimed overlordship rather than direct control over the whole island.

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24
Q

What was the basic problem in Henry II’s relations with the king of France?

A

Henry was too powerful

Although technically a vassal in France, he possessed more land than the French king.

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25
# True or False: By 1166 Henry II had completely removed all tensions between **Church and Crown**.
False ## Footnote Conflict over jurisdiction and authority was growing sharper by the mid-1160s.
26
Which **archbishop** became the centre of the conflict between Church and State?
Thomas Becket ## Footnote Once Henry’s chancellor and ally, he later defended ecclesiastical privilege.
27
Which set of **customs** did Henry II use in 1164 to define royal authority over the Church?
Constitutions of Clarendon ## Footnote They aimed to limit papal appeals and clerical privilege.
28
What dramatic **event** in 1170 turned Becket into a martyr?
His murder at Canterbury ## Footnote Four knights killed him in the cathedral after misunderstanding Henry’s anger.
29
How did Becket’s death damage Henry II **politically**?
It provoked outrage ## Footnote Henry faced condemnation across Christendom and pressure from the Papacy.
30
# Fill in the blank: After Becket’s death, Henry II had to seek reconciliation with the _\_\_\_\_.
Papacy ## Footnote He could not afford prolonged conflict with the head of the Western Church.
31
What was the main **cause** of the first Anglo-Norman intervention in Ireland in 1169?
Irish dynastic dispute ## Footnote Dermot MacMurrough sought outside military help to recover his position.
32
Why did Henry II personally go to **Ireland** in 1171?
To assert control ## Footnote He wanted to prevent his barons from creating an independent power base there.
33
What limited Henry II’s **control** in Ireland after intervention?
Dependence on local lords ## Footnote Royal authority was uneven and relied on cooperation from Anglo-Norman and Irish elites.
34
What **dynastic problem** helped cause the Great Rebellion of 1173–74?
Henry’s divided inheritance plans ## Footnote Tensions grew as his sons wanted real power, not just titles and promises.
35
Which of Henry II’s sons became known as the **Young King**?
Henry the Young King ## Footnote He was crowned in his father’s lifetime but given little actual authority.
36
Which powerful **female figure** supported the rebellion against Henry II?
Eleanor of Aquitaine ## Footnote Her backing strengthened the rebels, especially in Aquitaine.
37
Which French **king** supported Henry II’s rebellious sons?
Louis VII ## Footnote He saw rebellion as a chance to weaken Angevin power in France.
38
What wider problem inside England made the rebellion more **dangerous** in 1173–74?
Political instability ## Footnote Discontented nobles and regional unrest increased the threat to royal rule.
39
Which northern **ruler** invaded England during the Great Rebellion?
William I of Scotland ## Footnote His intervention expanded the revolt into a major military crisis.
40
What key **event** helped Henry II crush the rebellion in 1174?
The capture of William I ## Footnote William was taken at Alnwick, weakening the northern threat decisively.
41
# True or False: The Great Rebellion ended with Henry II permanently reconciled with all his sons.
False ## Footnote Family tensions continued to destabilise politics after 1174.
42
After 1174, what was Henry II’s main **domestic priority**?
Consolidate royal authority ## Footnote He aimed to prevent a repeat of the rebellion through firmer governance.
43
How did Henry II continue to manage the **barons** after 1174?
By close supervision ## Footnote He limited opportunities for magnates to act independently of the crown.
44
What remained a central **feature** of Henry II’s rule in the years after 1174?
Strong royal justice ## Footnote Legal reforms and royal courts continued to underpin his authority.
45
Why were **royal finances** important to Henry II’s recovery after rebellion?
They funded control ## Footnote Reliable income allowed him to govern, campaign and reward loyalty.
46
How did Henry II’s relations with **bishops** differ after Becket’s death?
He acted more cautiously ## Footnote He still defended royal interests but avoided another direct showdown of that scale.
47
What was the broad **outcome** of Henry II’s later relations with the Papacy?
Reconciliation ## Footnote He restored workable relations while preserving much royal influence.
48
What **economic development** became increasingly important in England by 1189?
Town growth ## Footnote Expanding towns reflected wider commercial and social change.
49
What does the growth of **trade** in Henry II’s reign suggest about England by 1189?
Greater prosperity ## Footnote Commercial activity increased despite political tensions and warfare.
50
What **social trend** helps describe England’s condition by the end of Henry II’s reign?
Increasing complexity ## Footnote Towns, trade and stronger administration made society more developed and interconnected.
51
Which **agreement** of 1175 tried to define Henry II’s position in Ireland?
Treaty of Windsor ## Footnote It recognised Henry’s lordship while leaving much local power in Irish hands.
52
# Fill in the blank: After 1175, Henry II still struggled to impose direct control over all of _\_\_\_\_.
Ireland ## Footnote His authority remained patchy and often indirect.
53
Which son of Henry II became his most dangerous **rival** in the 1180s?
Richard ## Footnote Richard’s ambitions and alliances deepened the family crisis.
54
Which French **king** posed the greatest threat to Henry II in his final years?
Philip II ## Footnote Philip exploited Angevin family divisions to weaken Henry’s continental power.
55
What was the main **problem** with Henry II’s final military campaign?
It ended in failure ## Footnote Philip II and Richard forced Henry into a humiliating settlement.
56
# True or False: Henry II died at the height of his power after a decisive victory over Philip II.
False ## Footnote He died in 1189 after political and military setbacks.
57
In what **year** did Henry II die?
1189 ## Footnote His death marked the end of a long reign of restoration, reform and renewed crisis.
58
Which historical **term** describes a ruler’s right to command and enforce obedience across the realm?
Royal authority ## Footnote This idea is central to understanding Henry II’s aims and the crises of his reign.
59
Which historical **term** describes a church court dealing with religious and moral issues?
Ecclesiastical court ## Footnote These courts became controversial when their powers clashed with royal justice.
60
Which historical **term** describes payment made instead of knight service?
Scutage ## Footnote It helped Henry raise money for more flexible military resources.
61
Which historical **term** describes the hereditary lands and rights of the crown?
Royal demesne ## Footnote Recovering crown lands was part of strengthening monarchy after 1154.
62
What was Richard I’s main **priority** when he became king in 1189?
The Third Crusade ## Footnote Richard was more focused on crusading and warfare than on routine government in England.
63
Which personal **quality** most shaped Richard I’s kingship?
Military prowess ## Footnote He was admired as a warrior king and built much of his reputation through campaigning.
64
How did Richard I generally view **kingship**?
As a martial role ## Footnote He prioritised war, honour and dynastic defence over day-to-day personal rule in England.
65
What attitude did Richard I show towards **religion**?
Conventional piety ## Footnote He took the crusading vow seriously and presented himself as a Christian warrior.
66
Which **crusade** was Richard I most closely associated with?
The Third Crusade ## Footnote It followed the fall of Jerusalem to Saladin in 1187.
67
Which Muslim **leader** was Richard I fighting during the Third Crusade?
Saladin ## Footnote Richard became famous for his campaigns against Saladin in the Holy Land.
68
# Fill in the blank: Richard I earned lasting fame as a king because of his role in the _\_\_\_\_ Crusade.
Third ## Footnote His reputation in Europe rested heavily on crusading achievement.
69
Why is Richard I often called an **absentee king**?
He spent little time in England ## Footnote Much of his reign was spent on crusade, in captivity or at war in France.
70
Who was one of the main royal **ministers** governing England early in Richard’s reign?
William Longchamp ## Footnote Longchamp served as justiciar and chancellor, but his rule became unpopular.
71
Which northern **bishop** helped govern England during Richard’s absence at the start of the reign?
Hugh de Puiset ## Footnote He shared authority in the early phase of Richard’s absence.
72
Who was sent to restore **order** in England after conflict under Longchamp?
Walter de Coutances ## Footnote He helped stabilise government when factional tensions grew.
73
Which royal **brother** tried to exploit Richard I’s absence for political advantage?
Prince John ## Footnote John sought to build his own power while Richard was away.
74
# True or False: Richard I spent most of his reign personally directing government from England.
False ## Footnote His long absences forced ministers and deputies to rule in his name.
75
Which **official** became especially important in the later government of Richard’s reign?
Hubert Walter ## Footnote As archbishop and justiciar, he played a key role in administration and finance.
76
Why was Hubert Walter important to Richard I’s **rule**?
He maintained royal government ## Footnote Hubert Walter helped preserve order, revenue collection and royal authority during Richard’s absence.
77
What was the main **danger** created by an absentee king?
Weakened royal authority ## Footnote Long absences could encourage faction, baronial ambition and challenges to central control.
78
Which French **king** was Richard I’s main rival?
Philip II ## Footnote The struggle with Philip II dominated Richard’s continental policy.
79
How did the Third Crusade affect relations between Richard I and Philip II?
It deepened rivalry ## Footnote Tensions on crusade fed later conflict once both kings returned west.
80
What was the main **cause** of renewed war between Richard I and Philip II after 1194?
Control of Angevin lands ## Footnote Both kings competed for power and territory in northern and western France.
81
From which **year** did Richard I wage major war against Philip II after his return?
1194 ## Footnote This marked the beginning of intense campaigning in France.
82
What was Richard I trying to **defend** in his wars against Philip II?
The Angevin Empire ## Footnote He aimed to hold together his family’s continental dominions.
83
What happened between Richard I and Philip II in 1199 shortly before Richard’s death?
A truce ## Footnote Neither side had secured a final settlement before Richard died.
84
What **development** in England continued during Richard I’s reign despite his absence?
Town growth ## Footnote Urban centres and commercial life continued to expand in the late twelfth century.
85
What economic **trend** was visible in England by 1199?
Expanding trade ## Footnote Commercial activity linked towns more closely into regional and overseas exchange.
86
Which **minority** suffered severe violence at the start of Richard I’s reign?
Jews ## Footnote Anti-Jewish persecution escalated dramatically in 1189–90.
87
Why were Jews particularly **vulnerable** in Richard I’s England?
Religious prejudice and debt ## Footnote They were targeted both by popular hostility and by those owing them money.
88
# True or False: The social condition of England by 1199 was one of complete peace and harmony.
False ## Footnote Towns and trade grew, but social tensions and outbreaks of violence remained serious.
89
Who succeeded Richard I in 1199?
John ## Footnote Richard died without legitimate children, leaving the throne to his brother.
90
What personal **characteristic** most shaped King John’s rule?
Suspicion ## Footnote John’s mistrustful and harsh style damaged relations with many leading nobles.
91
What was King John’s main political **aim** in the early years of his reign?
Preserve royal authority ## Footnote He sought to defend his inheritance and maintain control over both England and continental lands.
92
How did John often deal with his **barons**?
By pressure and demands ## Footnote Heavy financial exactions and sharp justice alienated many nobles.
93
Which part of **government** did John use intensively to raise money?
Royal finance ## Footnote He exploited feudal rights, fines and other revenues more aggressively than many predecessors.
94
Why did John’s financial **policies** create resentment?
They were burdensome ## Footnote Barons and others objected to the scale and frequency of his demands.
95
What feature of John’s **rule** made his justice unpopular?
Arbitrariness ## Footnote He was seen as using the law to punish enemies and raise revenue.
96
Which archbishop of Canterbury died in 1205, helping trigger a major Church dispute?
Hubert Walter ## Footnote His death opened the way for a contested election to Canterbury.
97
Who did John quarrel with over the **appointment** to Canterbury?
The Papacy ## Footnote The dispute centred on whether the king or pope would control the appointment.
98
Which **pope** opposed King John in the Canterbury dispute?
Innocent III ## Footnote Innocent III was one of the most powerful medieval popes.
99
What was imposed on England in 1208 during John’s dispute with the Papacy?
An interdict ## Footnote Many church services were suspended as pressure on the king increased.
100
# Fill in the blank: In 1208, England was placed under an _\_\_\_\_ because of John’s quarrel with the Papacy.
interdict ## Footnote This was meant to force John into submission.
101
What was the effect of the interdict on John’s **reputation**?
It damaged his legitimacy ## Footnote A king in conflict with the Church appeared morally and politically weakened.
102
Which major continental **possession** was lost by King John in 1204?
Normandy ## Footnote The loss was a turning point in John’s reign and in Anglo-French relations.
103
What military **problem** faced John between 1202 and 1204?
Defeat in France ## Footnote A series of setbacks led to the collapse of Angevin control in key territories.
104
Why was the loss of Normandy so **serious** for John?
It weakened prestige and security ## Footnote It damaged his authority and separated many nobles from lands held on both sides of the Channel.
105
What was one of John’s main **aims** after 1204?
Regain Normandy ## Footnote Repeated efforts to recover it shaped foreign policy and taxation.
106
Which neighbouring **kingdom** did John invade in 1209?
Scotland ## Footnote The campaign pressured William of Scotland and asserted English strength.
107
What was John trying to achieve in Scotland in 1209?
Submission from William of Scotland ## Footnote He wanted to reinforce his authority on the northern frontier.
108
Which land did John invade in 1210 to strengthen **royal control**?
Ireland ## Footnote The expedition aimed to discipline both Anglo-Norman lords and Irish rulers.
109
Why did John campaign in Ireland in 1210?
To enforce authority ## Footnote He sought tighter control after disorder and resistance among local elites.
110
What was John’s general **approach** towards Wales?
Attempts at pacification ## Footnote He tried to contain Welsh resistance through campaigns and political pressure.
111
# True or False: John’s rule over Scotland, Ireland and Wales was consistently secure and unchallenged.
False ## Footnote He could win submission, but lasting control remained difficult.
112
What happened to John’s final great attempt to regain Normandy in 1214?
It failed ## Footnote The campaign ended in disappointment and deepened baronial anger.
113
Which **battle** in 1214 destroyed John’s hopes of major recovery in France?
Battle of Bouvines ## Footnote The defeat of his allies by Philip II was decisive.
114
Why was the Battle of Bouvines such a **disaster** for John?
It ruined his strategy ## Footnote Without victory abroad, his heavy taxation and demands at home looked pointless.
115
What was the result of John’s peace with **Philip II** after 1214?
Unfavourable terms ## Footnote John had to accept a settlement that reflected French strength.
116
Which **baron** became a leading figure in **opposition** to King John?
Robert Fitzwalter ## Footnote He emerged as one of the most prominent leaders of the rebel barons.
117
What name did some **rebel barons** adopt in their struggle against John?
The Army of God ## Footnote The title gave their cause a moral and religious tone.
118
What **document** emerged from negotiations between **John and the barons** in 1215?
Magna Carta ## Footnote It attempted to limit abuses of royal power and protect baronial rights.
119
Why was Magna Carta important **politically**?
It challenged arbitrary rule ## Footnote It set out that the king should govern within recognised customs and laws.
120
# Fill in the blank: Magna Carta was agreed in _\_\_\_\_.
1215 ## Footnote It was sealed during the crisis between John and the rebel barons.
121
# True or False: Magna Carta solved all conflict between John and the barons permanently.
False ## Footnote The settlement soon broke down and civil war followed.
122
What is the name of the civil **conflict** that broke out in the last phase of John’s reign?
The First Barons War ## Footnote It began after the collapse of the Magna Carta settlement.
123
What caused the **outbreak** of the First Barons War?
Baronial unrest ## Footnote Many barons no longer trusted John to keep his promises.
124
How did John respond to **rebellion** in 1215–16?
With military campaigns ## Footnote He fought energetically to recover castles, towns and loyal support.
125
What happened to King John in 1216 during the war?
He died. ## Footnote His death changed the political situation and weakened the rebel cause.
126
Why did John’s death help the royalist **side**?
It eased the succession crisis ## Footnote Opponents of John could more easily accept a child king than the dead king’s rule.
127
Who played the key **role** in **protecting the throne** after John’s death?
William Marshal ## Footnote He became the chief defender of the new regime.
128
What **title** did William Marshal hold for the young **Henry III**?
Protector ## Footnote He acted as guardian of the realm and leader of the royalist cause.
129
What was the main **succession problem** in 1216?
The heir was a child ## Footnote Henry III’s minority made strong leadership essential.
130
What does John’s **legacy** suggest about England by 1216?
Deep political division ## Footnote War, taxation and distrust had badly strained relations between king and political community.
131
What **economic condition** affected England by 1216 after years of war and exaction?
Financial strain ## Footnote Heavy demands and conflict placed pressure on communities and resources.
132
How can the social condition of **England by 1216** best be described?
Unstable ## Footnote Civil war and political conflict had undermined security in many areas.
133
Which historical term describes a king who rules largely from **outside his kingdom**?
Absentee king ## Footnote Richard I is the clearest example of this in the period.
134
Which historical term describes a **formal suspension** of many church services in a kingdom?
Interdict ## Footnote The interdict of 1208 was a major weapon used against John.
135
Which historical term describes a **written grant** limiting royal behaviour and asserting rights?
Charter ## Footnote Magna Carta was the most famous charter of John’s reign.
136
Which historical term describes rule that depends on **unpredictable personal** will rather than consistent law?
Arbitrary rule ## Footnote This was a frequent criticism made against King John.
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