Wednesday, September 8, 2010

9/7/10 Homework

1. What does the reign of Henry II suggest about the future of English foreign relations?
Henry II wanted as much territory as possible. He wanted to control everything, causing him to have many things on his plate. When different problems would arise in multiple areas of control he would often slack off on helping certain areas that needed him. He would come to help only when he was desperately needed so that he could still have control of his land. This suggests that in the future England will not be very popular with other countries. It suggests that the relations will be based on what those in control want and not what the common people need.

2. Does the common conception of Richard as 'good' and John as 'bad' hold up to reality?
No. In reality they were both good kings, but John had some tragic flaws. While Richard was charismatic and brave, John was untrusting, self-conscious, and cowardly. He was smart and perfectly able to be king, but he did not have the social skills or “flair” to be a good one, like Richard. John’s tragic flaws led him to failure, but in reality he really could’ve been a great king.

3. How did the Magna Carta change the relationship of the Monarch and his subjects?
The Magna Carta made it so that the king is subject to the same laws as everyone else. It took power away from the king and gave more to the Barron's. Now, because of the signing of the Magna Carta, the Monarch does not have any political power.

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