AQA_2024: AS History - Component 2A Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1216 The Reign of Henry II, 1154–1189 (Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme)

AQA_2024: AS History - Component 2A Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1216 The Reign of Henry II, 1154–1189 (Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme) AS HISTORY Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1216 Component 2A The Reign of Henry II, 1154–1189 Monday 20 May 2024 Materials For this paper you must have:  an AQA 16-page answer book. Instructions Afternoon  Use black ink or black ball-point pen. Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes  Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Paper Reference is 7041/2A.  Answer two questions. In Section A answer Question 01. In Section B answer either Question 02 or Question 03. Information  The marks for questions are shown in brackets.  The maximum mark for this paper is 50.  You will be marked on your ability to: – use good English – organise information clearly – use specialist vocabulary where appropriate. Advice  You are advised to spend about: – 50 minutes on Section A – 40 minutes on Section B. To revise the key areas of the reign of Henry II (1154–1189), it is important to focus on several significant aspects of his rule, particularly those related to royal authority, legal reforms, and conflicts with both his family and external forces. 1. Centralization of Power: Henry II worked to strengthen royal authority by centralizing control over England and his French territories. Understanding his efforts to consolidate power through the royal court system and the creation of a more standardized justice system is essential. His introduction of the Common Law system, which replaced the diverse local laws, is a pivotal reform. The establishment of itinerant justices and the Assize of Clarendon (1166) are important elements to study, as they laid the groundwork for England's future legal framework. 2. Conflict with the Church: Henry's relationship with the Church, especially his confrontation with Archbishop Thomas Becket, was central to his reign. The Becket controversy (1162–1170) over the rights and privileges of the Church versus royal authority is critical. This conflict ultimately led to Becket's martyrdom and has implications for the balance of power between the monarchy and the Church. 3. Family Struggles and Revolts: Henry faced multiple challenges from his sons, particularly Richard the Lionheart, Geoffrey, and John, as they rebelled against him. The Revolt of 1173 1174 and the ongoing tensions with his family members reflect the difficulty of maintaining control over both his kingdom and family. 4. The French and Angevin Empire: Henry's French possessions, notably in Normandy, Anjou, and Aquitaine, required constant defense and negotiation with the French monarchy, particularly with King Louis VII and his successors. The dynastic struggles over these territories are another important area to explore in this period. IB/M/Jun24/G400A/E4 7041/2A 2 Section A Answer Question 01. Source A From a letter to the senior churchmen in Ireland, written by Pope Alexander III in 1172. It has come to my notice how great are the enormities of sin into which the people of Ireland are lapsed. They have departed from the fear of God and the established practice of the Christian faith, so that souls have been placed in peril. We have further learnt that Henry, the noble English king, our dearest son in Christ, moved by inspiration from God, has defeated this barbarous and uncouth race which is ignorant of divine law. Through his power, those forbidden things which used to be practised in your land now begin to diminish. We command that you passionately assist the King so that this undisciplined people may be led to respect the divine law. 5 Source B From the ‘Topography of Ireland’, written by Gerald of Wales, after he and Prince John visited Ireland in 1185. Gerald hoped to be made Bishop of St David’s. King Henry, your victories compete with the world itself; you have spread your triumphs as far as nature has spread her lands. Your brave spirit may find no more lands to conquer, but victory never deserts you. How then has the Irish world been added to your titles and triumphs? By what great and glorious inspiration were you able to succeed? How prematurely were you recalled from the enterprise by a conspiracy from your nobles, when your triumph was complete, but you had not yet restored order in the country? How has the terror of your incomparable bravery and great name curbed the raging fury of the heathens and secured peace and tranquillity to the Church of Christ? 5 0 1 With reference to these sources and your understanding of the historical context, which of these two sources is more valuable in explaining Henry II’s involvement in Ireland? [25 marks] IB/M/Jun24/7041/2A 3 Section B Answer either Question 02 or Question 03. Either 0 2 ‘Thomas Becket’s death was the result of his difficult personality.’ Explain why you agree or disagree with this view. [25 marks] or 0 3 ‘Money was the most significant motive for Henry II’s legal reforms.’ Explain why you agree or disagree with this view. [25 marks] END OF QUESTIONS IB/M/Jun24/7041/2A 4 There are no questions printed on this page Copyright information For confidentiality purposes, all acknowledgements of third-party copyright material are published in a separate booklet. This booklet is published after each live examination series and is available for free download from Permission to reproduce all copyright material has been applied for. In some cases, efforts to contact copyright-holders may have been unsuccessful and AQA will be happy to rectify any omissions of acknowledgements. If you have any queries please contact the Copyright Team. Copyright © 2024 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. IB/M/Jun24/7041/2A AS HISTORY 7041/2A Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1216 Component 2A The Reign of Henry II, 1154–1