Interpretations of King John and the Magna Carta

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
7 questions
~14 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores different historical interpretations of King John and the significance of the Magna Carta, encouraging students to compare perspectives and evaluate their validity.

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Interpretations of King John and the Magna Carta

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

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Interpretations of King John and the Magna Carta

Historian A: John Smith – Political Perspective

'King John is often seen as a tyrant who ignored the rights of his subjects. His heavy-handed rule and failure to compromise led to the barons forcing him to sign the Magna Carta. This document was primarily a political tool used by the barons to limit royal power and protect their own interests. John's inability to maintain control and his conflicts with the nobility caused the crisis that resulted in the Magna Carta.'

Historian B: Emily Johnson – Social Perspective

'King John’s actions can be understood within the broader social context of medieval England. The Magna Carta was a reflection of the social tensions between the monarchy and the barons, but it also aimed to address issues faced by ordinary people, such as justice and fair treatment. John's reign was marked by efforts to adapt to changing social needs, and the Magna Carta was a step towards establishing some social stability.'

1.
Summarize each historian's view on King John's role in the creation of the Magna Carta. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Compare why the two historians have different views about King John and the Magna Carta. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
3.
Evaluate which historian provides a more convincing explanation of King John's role in the creation of the Magna Carta and justify your opinion. (8 marks)
[8 marks]
4.
Outline the main reasons why the Magna Carta was created according to both historians. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
5.
Explain why understanding different interpretations of the Magna Carta is important for studying history. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
6.
Based on the interpretations, which view do you find more convincing and why? (8 marks)
[8 marks]
7.
Describe how the two historians' views help us understand the importance of the Magna Carta today. (6 marks)
[6 marks]

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Details

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