1066: The Battle of Hastings
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1. How did this event affect the course of English History?
*Anglo-Saxon English lords lost land; William granted fiefs to Norman lords, who swore loyalty to him personally, thus laying foundation for centralized government.
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1154 Henry II becomes ruler of England
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2. How did Henry II strengthen England’s legal system?
*sent royal judges to parts of England to collect taxes, settle lawsuits, and punish crimes, introduced use of the jury in English courts; laid foundation for English common law
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1204 Philip II of France regains Normandy from the English
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3. How did Philip strengthen the central government in France?
*increased land under his control; increased power over vassals; established royal officials called bailiffs who presided over his courts and collected taxes
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1215 The Magna Carta is signed by King John of England
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4. Why is this document so important?
Guaranteed basic civil rights; no taxation without representation, a jury trial, and protection under the law
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1226 Louis IX becomes king of France
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5. How did Louis strengthen the monarchy while weakening feudal ties?
*created an appeals court, which could overturn decisions of local courts
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1295 Model Parliament meets during reign of Edward I of England
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6. How was this meeting a major step toward democratic government?
*legislative group composed of commoners-burgesses from every borough and knights from every county. Evolved into a check on royal power.
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