AQA A-Level History 7042
1A The Age of the Crusades, c1071–1204
1B Spain in the Age of Discovery, 1469–1598
1C The Tudors: England, 1485–1603
1D Stuart Britain and the Crisis of Monarchy, 1603–1702
1E Russia in the Age of Absolutism and Enlightenment, 1682–1796
1F Industrialisation and the People: Britain, c1783–1885
1G Challenge and Transformation: Britain, c1851–1964
1H Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855–1964
1J The British Empire, c1857–1967
1K The Making of a Superpower: USA, 1865–1975
1L The Quest for Political Stability: Germany, 1871–1991
2A Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1216
2B The Wars of the Roses, 1450–1499
2C The Reformation in Europe, c1500–1564
2D Religious Conflict and the Church in England, c1529–c1570
2E The English Revolution, 1625–1660
2F The Sun King: Louis XIV, France and Europe, 1643–1715
2G The Birth of the USA, 1760–1801
2H France in Revolution, 1774–1815
2J America: A Nation Divided, c1845–1877
2K International Relations and Global Conflict, c1890–1941
2L Italy and Fascism, c1900–1945
2M Wars and Welfare: Britain in Transition, 1906–1957
2N Revolution and Dictatorship: Russia, 1917–1953
2O Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918–1945
2P The Transformation of China, 1936–1997
2Q The American Dream: Reality and Illusion, 1945–1980
2R The Cold War, c1945–1991
2S The Making of Modern Britain, 1951–2007
2T The Crisis of Communism: The USSR and the Soviet Empire, 1953–2000
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.
What were John's main political and military aims during his reign?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Other ways to work this
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Every question in 2A Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1216, on a schedule.
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