Key Terms:

Claimant: A person who claims a right to a throne or position.

Invasion: An act of entering a country or region by force to take control.

Conquest: The act of conquering or taking over a territory through military force.

Norman: Relating to the people from Normandy, France, who invaded England in 1066.

Sovereignty: The supreme power or authority of a state or ruler.

Feudal System: A social and economic structure where land was held in exchange for service or labor.

Regime: A government, especially an authoritarian one.

Dynasty: A line of rulers from the same family.

Contender: A person or group competing for a position or title.

Legitimacy: The accepted right to rule based on laws, customs, or tradition.

Historical Context: The background information that explains why events happen.

Source: A document, speech, or other material that provides information about a historical event.

Historical Significance: The importance or impact of an event in history.

Succession: The process of inheriting a throne or title.

Historical Perspective: The viewpoint or opinion of a person or group about historical events.

Power: The ability to influence or control others.

Authority: The official right to give orders or make decisions.

Union: The act of joining together.

Conflict: A serious disagreement or fight.

Treaty: A formal agreement between countries.

Rebellion: An uprising against authority.

Kingmaker: A person or group that has influence over who becomes king or queen.

Norman Conquest: The invasion and takeover of England by William of Normandy in 1066.

Battle of Hastings: The decisive battle where William defeated King Harold to become King of England.

Oath of Loyalty: A formal pledge of allegiance.

Feudal Allegiance: The loyalty owed by vassals to their lord.

Vassal: A person who has pledged loyalty to a lord in exchange for land.

This vocabulary helps us understand the key ideas related to William's claim and actions.