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History GCSE Richard and John| Latest
Questions and Answers| Complete and
Verified 100%
Explain why Richard’s claim to the throne was accepted so quickly in 1189.
He had strong royal blood, military support, and no real challengers. Plus, people didn’t trust
John.
Assess the role of Eleanor of Aquitaine in securing Richard’s position.
She got support from powerful nobles and helped manage the kingdom while Richard was
on crusade. Basically held things together.
How far did Richard rely on the barons to fund his crusade?
A lot. He sold titles, lands, and even offices. It made barons powerful but also annoyed some
people.
Analyse why John lost Normandy by 1204.
He was a rubbish military leader, didn’t have support from the local nobles, and made
enemies (like Arthur’s murder didn’t help).
Why did Richard spend so little time in England?
He saw it as a place to raise money—not his main priority. He was focused on the Crusades
and defending lands in France.
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Evaluate the impact of John’s dispute with the Church.
It made him look weak and led to England being placed under interdict. People started
doubting him as king.
Explain the reasons why John’s relationship with the barons got worse over time.
He raised taxes too much, lost wars, and didn’t treat the barons with respect. Eventually
they’d had enough.
To what extent did castles help Richard and John control England?
They were key for defending land and showing power. Both kings used them to keep order,
especially in risky areas.
How significant was the Church in shaping government decisions during this period?
Very. The Pope had real power, and kings had to get along with church leaders—or risk
interdicts and rebellions.
Assess how Richard’s ransom affected England.
It cost loads, which meant taxes went up and land got sold off. It annoyed a lot of people,
even if they liked him.
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Explain how John tried to raise money for war after losing Normandy.
He squeezed the barons, charged scutage often, and increased fines. People saw it as greedy
and unfair.
How did the feudal system support royal authority under Richard and John?
It kept nobles loyal through land and service. As long as kings rewarded loyalty, the system
worked in their favour.
Analyse why the succession was uncertain after Henry II’s death.
John wasn’t the eldest son, and people supported his nephew Arthur. There was no clear rule
on who should take over.
Assess the role of the papacy in English politics under King John.
The Pope backed John during the Magna Carta crisis, which helped him keep his crown even
when the barons rebelled.
How far did Richard’s crusading reputation help his image in England?
It boosted his image as a warrior king—but since he was never around, not everyone cared in
the long run.
Explain why the barons forced John to sign Magna Carta in 1215.
They were sick of high taxes, unfair punishments, and being ignored. Magna Carta was a
way to limit his power.
History GCSE Richard and John| Latest
Questions and Answers| Complete and
Verified 100%
Explain why Richard’s claim to the throne was accepted so quickly in 1189.
He had strong royal blood, military support, and no real challengers. Plus, people didn’t trust
John.
Assess the role of Eleanor of Aquitaine in securing Richard’s position.
She got support from powerful nobles and helped manage the kingdom while Richard was
on crusade. Basically held things together.
How far did Richard rely on the barons to fund his crusade?
A lot. He sold titles, lands, and even offices. It made barons powerful but also annoyed some
people.
Analyse why John lost Normandy by 1204.
He was a rubbish military leader, didn’t have support from the local nobles, and made
enemies (like Arthur’s murder didn’t help).
Why did Richard spend so little time in England?
He saw it as a place to raise money—not his main priority. He was focused on the Crusades
and defending lands in France.
, 2
Evaluate the impact of John’s dispute with the Church.
It made him look weak and led to England being placed under interdict. People started
doubting him as king.
Explain the reasons why John’s relationship with the barons got worse over time.
He raised taxes too much, lost wars, and didn’t treat the barons with respect. Eventually
they’d had enough.
To what extent did castles help Richard and John control England?
They were key for defending land and showing power. Both kings used them to keep order,
especially in risky areas.
How significant was the Church in shaping government decisions during this period?
Very. The Pope had real power, and kings had to get along with church leaders—or risk
interdicts and rebellions.
Assess how Richard’s ransom affected England.
It cost loads, which meant taxes went up and land got sold off. It annoyed a lot of people,
even if they liked him.
, 3
Explain how John tried to raise money for war after losing Normandy.
He squeezed the barons, charged scutage often, and increased fines. People saw it as greedy
and unfair.
How did the feudal system support royal authority under Richard and John?
It kept nobles loyal through land and service. As long as kings rewarded loyalty, the system
worked in their favour.
Analyse why the succession was uncertain after Henry II’s death.
John wasn’t the eldest son, and people supported his nephew Arthur. There was no clear rule
on who should take over.
Assess the role of the papacy in English politics under King John.
The Pope backed John during the Magna Carta crisis, which helped him keep his crown even
when the barons rebelled.
How far did Richard’s crusading reputation help his image in England?
It boosted his image as a warrior king—but since he was never around, not everyone cared in
the long run.
Explain why the barons forced John to sign Magna Carta in 1215.
They were sick of high taxes, unfair punishments, and being ignored. Magna Carta was a
way to limit his power.
