Thời Trung Cổ
The Magna Carta (1215)
King John was widely considered a poor ruler who taxed his barons heavily. In 1215, rebellious barons forced him to sign a charter of rights at Runnymede (beside the River Thames near Windsor) on 15 June 1215. This became the Magna Carta (Latin for "Great Charter").
The Magna Carta established that no one is above the law, including the king. Its most famous clause stated that no free man could be imprisoned or punished except by the lawful judgment of his peers or the law of the land. The king could not raise taxes without the barons' agreement.
The broader principles — the rule of law, limitations on government power, and the right to a fair trial — have influenced democratic thinking worldwide. The Magna Carta is considered a foundation of parliamentary democracy and inspired later documents such as the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
King John signed the Magna Carta at Runnymede on 15 June 1215
The Magna Carta established that no one is above the law; it is a foundation of parliamentary democracy
No free man could be imprisoned without the lawful judgment of his peers
Từ vựng
The 1215 charter limiting the king's power and establishing rule of law
A written grant of rights from the sovereign or government
People of equal social rank or status
The principle that everyone is subject to the law
Parliament and the Black Death
During the 13th century, the first English Parliament took shape. Kings Henry III and Edward I summoned assemblies of nobles, clergy, and commoners. By the century's end, Parliament had two parts: the House of Lords (nobles and senior clergy) and the House of Commons (representatives of towns and counties).
In 1348, the Black Death arrived from continental Europe — a plague caused by bacteria spread by fleas on rats. It killed approximately one-third of England's population and was one of the worst catastrophes in English history.
The resulting labour shortage meant surviving peasants could demand higher wages. The feudal system was significantly weakened. Landowners tried to keep wages low by law, causing resentment.
This led to the Peasants' Revolt of 1381, led by Wat Tyler. Thousands marched on London to protest heavy taxes and unfair laws. King Richard II met the rebels, but Wat Tyler was killed during negotiations. The revolt was crushed but showed ordinary people could challenge authority.
The first English Parliament emerged during the 13th century with the House of Lords and House of Commons
The Black Death reached England in 1348, killed about one-third of the population, and weakened the feudal system through labour shortages
The Peasants' Revolt of 1381 was led by Wat Tyler
Từ vựng
The highest law-making body in the UK, consisting of two houses
A plague pandemic that devastated Europe in the 14th century
A poor agricultural labourer in the feudal system
An uprising against authority
The Hundred Years' War and Wars of the Roses
The Hundred Years' War (1337–1453) was a series of conflicts between England and France over English claims to the French throne. One of the most famous English victories was the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, where King Henry V defeated a much larger French force. The English longbow was crucial. Henry V became a national hero, later immortalised in Shakespeare's plays. Despite early successes, England lost the war by 1453, keeping only Calais.
After this, England was torn by the Wars of the Roses (1455–1485) — a civil war between the House of Lancaster (red rose) and the House of York (white rose).
The wars ended at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, when Henry Tudor defeated King Richard III. Richard III was the last English king to die in battle. Henry Tudor was crowned Henry VII and founded the Tudor dynasty. He married Elizabeth of York, uniting the two houses. The Tudor rose (red and white combined) became the dynasty's symbol.
The Hundred Years' War (1337–1453): England vs France; Henry V won the Battle of Agincourt in 1415
Wars of the Roses (1455–1485): Lancaster (red rose) vs York (white rose)
Henry Tudor (Henry VII) defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485; Richard III was the last English king to die in battle
Từ vựng
A line of rulers from the same family
A war between groups within the same country
A large bow used by English archers in medieval warfare
A temporary agreement to stop fighting
Tóm tắt bài học
- Magna Carta signed by King John at Runnymede on 15 June 1215; no one is above the law
- Black Death arrived 1348, killed about one-third of England's population
- Peasants' Revolt of 1381 led by Wat Tyler
- Hundred Years' War (1337-1453): Henry V won Battle of Agincourt in 1415
- Wars of the Roses (1455-1485): Lancaster (red) vs York (white)
- Henry Tudor defeated Richard III at Bosworth Field 1485; Richard III was the last English king to die in battle