Concetti Chiave
- Richard I Lionheart, despite his bravery, prioritized the Third Crusade over his reign, leading to instability.
- King John ruled despotically, imposing numerous taxes and facing excommunication for defying the Pope's authority.
- Nobles, having lost their lands in France, were denied assistance by King John, prompting their refusal to pay taxes.
- Common people faced threats and were coerced into paying excessive taxes imposed by the king.
- The Magna Carta, signed in June 1215 at Runnymede, limited the king’s power by requiring counsel on spending and ensuring legal trials.
Magna Carta - what led to its issuing
Henry II was succeeded in 1189 by his son Richard I Lionheart. He was very bold and brave, but not so good as a king, because, soon after becoming king, he set off for the Holy Land to fight during the Third Crusade.
After his death Richard was succeeded by his brother John, who began to reign despotically trying to earn money by imposing several taxes.
Besides that, he wanted to appoint bishops and archbishops without the consent of the Pope, who excommunicated him and forbade all the ceremonies in England.
Last but not least, common people were threatened and forced to pay the taxes that the king imposed.
For all the above reasons, in June 1215, clergy, nobles and common people joined together at Runnymede and forced the king to sign the Magna Carta: it established that the king was to ask for advice about how to spend and earn money with war and taxes. In addition, the king couldn’t sentence people without legal trials and witnesses.
In the end, the Magna Carta undoubtedly represents one of the first examples occidental democracy is built upon.
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