History Unit 1 Edexcel Past Year Paper
January 2009 1. How far did Henry’s legal and financial reforms strengthen the power of the English monarchy? * Focus on key features of reform * Ensure balance given to both legal and judicial * Consider how important were these reforms in maintaining and expanding royal power, esp. after devolution of royal authority under Stephen
Intro:- there was a necessity for reform (anarchy)
-Briefly- Legal & financial reform
-Themes: King as central authority strengthen his authority
Why there was a need for reform?
Body:- 2 parts : Legal reforms & financial reforms
*LEGAL REFORMS – standardization : * writs * Legal procedure: henry attempted to formalize legal procedures, formed the 3 big assizes, by justices appointed by King * Plea rolls – removed arbitrariness, implements efficiency, establishes his power as he doesn’t need to be there to settle the problems
*FINANCIAL REFORMS – exchequer, more efficient way of tax gathering, collection of revenue centralized * Minting of coins – standardization, symbol of king’s authority, money comes from the king, harder to cheat the monarch his wealth as coins are standardized, more revenue -> implementing rules easier
Conclusion : themes/ motives reiteration of intro & body
2. How far were the financial demands made by Richard I and King John responsible for the outbreak of the baronial revolt of 1214-15? * Focus on growing opposition of barons to the monarchy * Stress placed on them to fund the 3rd Crusade(Richard), and regain Angevin Empire(John). Magna Carta – taxation only with Great Council’s consent * Understand how John began to act outside the law, i.e. taxing whatever sum he wanted, auctioning offices * Also may consider John’s failure to regain empire at Battle of Bouvines
June 2009 1. *How far did Henry II exercise effective control over his many territories? * Balance answer: England, firm control, Angevin territories, not so
Intro:- there was a necessity for reform (anarchy)
-Briefly- Legal & financial reform
-Themes: King as central authority strengthen his authority
Why there was a need for reform?
Body:- 2 parts : Legal reforms & financial reforms
*LEGAL REFORMS – standardization : * writs * Legal procedure: henry attempted to formalize legal procedures, formed the 3 big assizes, by justices appointed by King * Plea rolls – removed arbitrariness, implements efficiency, establishes his power as he doesn’t need to be there to settle the problems
*FINANCIAL REFORMS – exchequer, more efficient way of tax gathering, collection of revenue centralized * Minting of coins – standardization, symbol of king’s authority, money comes from the king, harder to cheat the monarch his wealth as coins are standardized, more revenue -> implementing rules easier
Conclusion : themes/ motives reiteration of intro & body
2. How far were the financial demands made by Richard I and King John responsible for the outbreak of the baronial revolt of 1214-15? * Focus on growing opposition of barons to the monarchy * Stress placed on them to fund the 3rd Crusade(Richard), and regain Angevin Empire(John). Magna Carta – taxation only with Great Council’s consent * Understand how John began to act outside the law, i.e. taxing whatever sum he wanted, auctioning offices * Also may consider John’s failure to regain empire at Battle of Bouvines
June 2009 1. *How far did Henry II exercise effective control over his many territories? * Balance answer: England, firm control, Angevin territories, not so