The Role of Barons in the Magna Carta

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
5 questions
~10 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores the perspectives of different historians on the role of Barons in the creation of the Magna Carta, encouraging analysis and evaluation of contrasting interpretations.

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The Role of Barons in the Magna Carta

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Contrasting Historians' Views on the Barons and Magna Carta

Historian A: John Smith – Political Perspective

"Historian John Smith argues that the Barons' main role was to force King John into signing the Magna Carta to limit his absolute power. He emphasizes the political struggle between the monarchy and the nobility, viewing the Magna Carta primarily as a document of aristocratic privilege. Smith believes the Barons used the Charter as a tool to protect their own interests and secure political influence, rather than for wider social or legal reforms. This perspective highlights the importance of aristocratic power in shaping medieval governance."

Historian B: Emily Turner – Social Perspective

"Historian Emily Turner contends that the Barons' role in the Magna Carta was more about societal stability and the protection of rights. She suggests that the Barons, motivated by broader social concerns, sought to limit the abuse of royal authority to prevent societal unrest. Turner emphasizes the significance of the Charter in establishing early legal rights, viewing the Barons as representatives of wider social groups who aimed to improve justice and protect common people from royal tyranny."

Questions:

1.
Summarize each historian's view of the role of the Barons in the Magna Carta. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Compare the reasons the two historians give for the Barons' involvement in the Magna Carta. Why do they differ? (6 marks)
[6 marks]
3.
Which historian's view do you find more convincing? Explain your answer. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
4.
Outline how the perspectives of the two historians help us understand the significance of the Barons in the Magna Carta. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
5.
Describe how historians' different perspectives can influence our understanding of historical events like the Magna Carta. (4 marks)
[4 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet