Norman Conquest and English History Quiz

William of Normandy led the Norman invasion of England in 1066, defeating King Harold at the Battle of Hastings. This victory led to William becoming the new King of England, a significant turning point in English history.

The Domesday Book was a detailed survey of land and property in England commissioned by William the Conqueror after the Norman invasion. It recorded who owned what and what taxes were owed.

The consequences of the Norman invasion were far-reaching, significantly impacting English society and culture. These included the introduction of a new ruling class, changes in language, architecture, and the establishment of a new feudal system.

The feudal system was a hierarchical social structure in medieval Europe, based on land ownership and loyalty. Land-owning lords granted land (fiefs) to vassals in exchange for military service and loyalty.

The period of civil war in England between Stephen and Matilda, known as the Anarchy, occurred following the death of Henry I. This conflict challenged the established order and significantly weakened the monarchy.

Henry II, the first Plantagenet King, introduced military reforms to strengthen his power and control. He replaced feudal military service with a tax called scutage, allowing him to pay for a professional army.

Henry II aimed to regain control of the justice system by establishing a system of traveling judges. These judges, appointed by the king, brought justice to different parts of England, strengthening royal authority.

The Norman invasion of England had a profound impact on English society, politics, and culture, setting the stage for the development of the country in later centuries. It marked a significant shift in power dynamics and introduced new influences that shaped English identity.

The law used in England at the time. It was based on local customs, previous cases, and comparisons.

The King and his advisors were trying to reduce the Church's power by appointing Thomas Becket as Archbishop of Canterbury.

Thomas Becket became a strong opponent of the King once he was appointed as Archbishop of Canterbury.

Becket was murdered by knights sent by the King, shocking all of Europe.

The Magna Carta was signed by King John after the barons protested his rule, demanding fair treatment and limitations on the King's power.

The barons rebelled against King John after he collected higher taxes and lost French territory.

King John was forced to sign the Magna Carta, which limited the King's power and granted citizens certain rights.

The Magna Carta is a historical document that established the idea of limited government and protected the rights of citizens. It is considered a fundamental document in the history of human rights.

A series of civil wars fought between two English noble families, the House of Lancaster (Red Rose) and the House of York (White Rose), for the right to the throne.

Henry Tudor, the last Lancastrian contender, defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, ending the Wars of the Roses.

The House of Lancaster, represented by the red rose, was one of the two main contenders during the Wars of the Roses.

The House of York, represented by the white rose, was the other main contender during the Wars of the Roses.

The Tudor dynasty began with the marriage of Henry VII to Elizabeth of York, daughter of Edward IV and niece of Richard III. This union marked the end of the Wars of the Roses.

A document signed by King John in 1215 that promised certain rights and freedoms to English citizens, including the right to a fair trial and protection from arbitrary rule.

A major turning point in English history that transitioned from a king's council to a more representative form of government.

A series of meetings called by English kings from the earliest times to gather advice from nobles and important subjects.

The conflict between England and France that lasted from 1337 to 1453, driven by factors like Edward III's claim to the French throne and the protection of English trade.

The name given to assemblies summoned by King Henry III, made up of bishops, barons, knights, and town representatives.

A devastating plague that swept across Europe in the mid-14th century, killing millions of people.

The Scottish warrior who led a rebellion against Edward I's attempts to conquer Scotland.

A battle fought in 1415 during The Hundred Years' War, resulting in a decisive English victory.

A devastating pandemic that swept through Europe in the mid-14th century, killing millions. It was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, spread by fleas living on rats.

The Black Death's impact on labor significantly altered the social order. With a massive decline in population, surviving laborers could demand higher wages, weakening the traditional feudal system.

A religious reform movement that arose in England in the late 14th century, led by John Wycliffe. They sought to reform the Catholic Church, criticizing corruption, and advocating for a life of poverty and imitation of Jesus.

John Wycliffe, an Oxford scholar, was the leader of the Lollard movement. He believed that the Church should focus on spiritual values and challenged traditional church practices.

A tax imposed on every adult, regardless of income. It was implemented by King Richard II and sparked widespread unrest among the peasantry.

A major peasant uprising that took place in England during the reign of Richard II. Provoked by the unpopular poll tax, the rebellion aimed to reduce the burdens of the peasantry.

Wat Tyler, a craftsman, rose as a leader of the Peasants' Revolt. His rebellion against the poll tax and feudal oppression led to a confrontation with the King.

The Peasants' Revolt ultimately failed, with the king crushing the rebellion and executing its leaders. The revolt highlights the simmering tensions between the peasantry and the ruling class.