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1. (a) Describe two features of Magna Carta - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 1
1. (a) Describe two features of Magna Carta. Feature 1 Feature 2 (b) Explain why Richard I was able to secure his power when he became king. You may use the fo... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1. (a) Describe two features of Magna Carta - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe two features of Magna Carta.
Answer
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One feature of the Magna Carta is the establishment of the principle that the king is not above the law, which means that the monarch must adhere to legal processes and cannot arbitrarily punish subjects. This laid a foundational principle for modern democracy.
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Another feature is the protection of certain barons' rights, ensuring that their property could not be seized without due process. This was a crucial step toward the concept of property rights.
Step 2
Explain why Richard I was able to secure his power when he became king.
Answer
Richard I was able to secure his power through a combination of effective strategies. Firstly, he reinforced his authority by securing the loyalty of his nobles, notably by addressing the concerns of his brother, John, and ensuring that major barons were on his side.
Secondly, Richard's coronation was a significant event that symbolized legitimacy and divine sanction, which bolstered his position.
Additionally, his reputation as a warrior and a leader from his involvement in the Crusades helped to elevate his status and secure popular support among his subjects.
Step 3
'Financial gain was the main reason for men joining the English crusading army.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.
Answer
While financial gain was indeed a crucial factor for many men joining the English crusading army, it was not the only reason. Many participants were motivated by religious zeal and the promise of spiritual rewards, such as forgiveness of sins.
Moreover, social and political factors played significant roles in their decisions. Younger sons, lacking inheritance due to primogeniture, sought fortune and status, which the Crusades could potentially provide. Therefore, although financial gain was important, it was intertwined with other motivations.