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

The Accession and Character of King John

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 2

Overview

Recall questions on how John came to the throne in 1199, the rival claim of Arthur and the traits that cost him his barons' trust.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

In what year did John become king, and whose death created the vacancy?

Key term

What were John's main political and military aims during his reign?

Key term

Why did John's preference for foreign mercenaries and advisers damage his relations with English barons?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    In what year did John become king, and whose death created the vacancy?

    Model answer

    John became king in 1199 following the death of Richard I.

  2. 2

    Who had a rival claim to the throne against John in 1199, and through which family connection?

    Model answer

    Arthur of Brittany had a rival claim through John's elder brother Geoffrey (Arthur's father).

  3. 3

    What character traits of John damaged trust with his barons?

    Model answer

    John was marked by suspicion, cruelty, and a tendency to act arbitrarily.

  4. 4

    What were John's main political and military aims during his reign?

    Model answer

    John aimed to recover lost Angevin territories in France, particularly Normandy, and to maximise royal revenue to fund military campaigns.

  5. 5

    How did heavy financial exactions contribute to the deterioration of John's relations with the barons?

    Model answer

    John demanded excessive feudal payments including scutage, reliefs, and amercements, which placed severe financial burdens on the barons and bred resentment.

  6. 6

    How did John use hostage-taking to control his barons?

    Model answer

    John took hostages from baronial families as security for their loyalty, creating fear and distrust among the nobility.

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