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1 (a) Describe two features of the fighting at the Battle of Hastings - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 1
1 (a) Describe two features of the fighting at the Battle of Hastings. (b) Explain why William I had such a bad relationship with his son, Robert. You may use the ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1 (a) Describe two features of the fighting at the Battle of Hastings - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe two features of the fighting at the Battle of Hastings.
Answer
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Tactics: The Normans utilized a feigned retreat during the battle. By pretending to flee, they lured the Anglo-Saxon forces into a vulnerable position, which allowed the Normans to regroup and counterattack effectively.
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Duration: The battle extended for a significant period, lasting approximately eight hours. This extended engagement tested the endurance and morale of both armies.
Step 2
Explain why William I had such a bad relationship with his son, Robert.
Answer
William I's relationship with Robert was strained due to several factors:
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Normandy: Robert was given control over Normandy, which caused friction as William sought to maintain authority over his territories. Robert's desire for independence often clashed with William's expectations.
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Rebellions: Robert led a rebellion against his father in 1077, demonstrating his dissatisfaction with William's rule and further straining their relationship. This rebellion was fueled by Robert's feeling of favoritism towards William's other sons, adding to the resentment.
Step 3
'Control of land was the main reason why the House of Godwin had so much power.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.
Answer
The House of Godwin's power was indeed closely connected to land control:
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Wessex: As earls of Wessex, the Godwins commanded a significant amount of land, enabling them to exert influence and gather military support. Their control of this area was central to their power.
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Marriage Alliances: The Godwins formed strategic marital alliances with other powerful families, further bolstering their position. These alliances spread their influence beyond mere land ownership, intertwining them with the royal family and other nobility.
However, other factors like political maneuvering and military strength also contributed to their power.
Step 4
'The building of castles was the main cause of Anglo-Saxon resistance to Norman rule.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.
Answer
The construction of castles played a significant role in the resistance against Norman rule:
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Motte and Bailey Castles: These forts served as strongholds for the Normans and were strategically placed to control territories. Their presence often incited local opposition as they represented Norman dominance over Anglo-Saxon lands.
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Land Ownership: The redistribution of lands to Norman lords caused significant resentment among the Anglo-Saxon populace, which fueled uprisings. As a response, local leaders often sought to reclaim their lands through resistance efforts.
While castles facilitated Norman control, the underlying causes of resistance lay in the broader conflicts of land and authority.