Quiz 1

England From the Norman Conquest to the War of the Roses (1066-1453)

• The period spanned from 1066 to 1453.
• Important figures included Harold, Edouard, and Guillaume.
• The Hundred Years' War was fought between England and France.
• Joan of Arc was a key figure in the Hundred Years' War, helping restore the Dauphin.

The Norman Conquest

• The Norman Conquest began in 1066 in Normandy (north of France).
• The conquest involved a significant power shift.
• Vikings controlled England before this.

England Before 1066

• England was frequently attacked by Scandinavian warriors in the 11th century.
• England was a wealthy and centralized area.

Edward the Confessor

• Edward was king from 1042 to 1066.
• He was known for his religious devotion.
• He died without a direct heir, creating a succession crisis.
• There were disputes about who should succeed him.

Harold Godwinson and William of Normandy

• Harold Godwinson, the Earl of Essex, was a strong contender for the throne.
• William of Normandy was a claimant based on a supposed prior agreement.
• William of Normandy defeated Harold at the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066.

Aftermath of the Norman Conquest

• William of Normandy was crowned King of England on December 25, 1066.
• William's rule led to a significant transformation in English society, including significant changes in the aristocracy, and the redistribution of lands.
• The Norman Conquest was a huge turning point in English history.

The Battle of Hastings (1066)

• Occurred on October 14, 1066.
• Decisive defeat of Harold Godwinson and assertion of William of Normandy's claim to the English throne.

The 12th Century English Civil War and the Anarchy

• The English possession started to grow when William became king, but there was another succession issue (Stephen vs Matilda) in the 12th century.
• This led to a civil war from 1135 to 1153 called The Anarchy (1135-1153), a period of significant instability.
• The war eventually ended with a deal in which Stephen had to recognize Henri as the successor. He became king in 1154.

The Wars of the Roses (1455-1485)

• A major conflict between the House of York and the House of Lancaster.
• Sparked by a succession crisis in the English Royal family.
• The Wars were a civil war dominated in the 15th century .
• Involved family rivalry and ultimately resulted in the Tudor dynasty's rise to power.

Henry VII (1485-1509)

• Became King of England following the Wars of the Roses.
• Stabilized the kingdom and consolidated the Tudor dynasty's rule.
• The name was a modern invention due to the family's symbol: the white rose (York) versus a red rose (Lancaster).

The Black Death and the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453)

• The Black Death was a devastating plague.
• It resulted in tremendous losses of life and societal upheaval.
• The Hundred Years' War, a protracted conflict between England and France, was deeply influenced by the Black Death.

The Hundred Years' War (1337-1453)

• Fought between England and France.
• A complex series of conflicts over territorial disputes, succession, and royal lineage.
• Involved various key figures including Joan of Arc, and saw fluctuations in English and French control of territories throughout Europe

The Black Death

• A plague that drastically affected Europe and England with massive losses.
• Widespread and devastating, impacting societal structure and economic systems.

English Coat of Arms

• England's coat of arms included the lion as the symbol for royalty
• The fleur-de-lys was used for French royalty.
• The use of these symbols reflected the merging of English and French power within the period.

The Acts of Union with Wales (1536-1543)

• Wales was incorporated into England's control during this period.
• It signified a merging of the two nations' borders, leading to a significant territorial consolidation within the British Isles.

Henry VIII (1509-1547)

• Became King of England.
• His desire for a male heir led to the English Reformation, severing ties with the Catholic Church.
• Henry VIII was extremely powerful due to his royal and religious authority.

The Act of Supremacy (1534)

• Act that severed the connection of the Church of England with the Church of Rome.
• This act was a key development in the English Reformation and Henry's quest for Absolute Power.

The Dissolution of Monasteries (1536-1540)

• Closure of monasteries under the orders of Henry VIII.
• The monasteries' property was often taken by the crown to increase wealth
• Religious upheaval and economic consequences resulted.

Edward VI, Lady Jane Grey & Mary I (1547-1558)

• The period of transition between Henry VIII and Elizabeth I's reigns.
• Key figures include Edward VI, Lady Jane Grey, and Mary I.
• This period was troubled by succession issues and religious conflict with England and other European nations

Elizabeth I (1558-1603)

• Became Queen of England.
• Her reign saw the English defeat of the Spanish Armada (1588).
• England's growing colonial ambitions and economic development occurred during Elizabeth's rule.

The Great Armada and the Trading Empire.

• The defeat of the Spanish Armada marked a turning point in the Anglo-Spanish rivalry and shifted power in favour of England.
• Increased English influence.

The Economic Situation in 16th Century England

• 16th century England was characterized by growing social tensions fueled by population growth, inflation, and distribution of wealth.

The Renaissance

• A period of cultural rebirth spanning from 14th to 17th centuries
• Marked by significant developments in literature, visual arts, music, and architecture.