The Magna Carta

In 1214, King John lost many of his lands and it seemed hopeless for him to survive any longer as the commanding leader of England.   He had raised the taxes high to squeeze more money out of the barons; thus, the barons revolted and demanded he change the way of governing.   To keep his crown, he had to agree with the barons' demands and listen to their terms.   He rode to a broad meadow called Runnymede, where the barons and John met to talk.


In June 15, 1215, they negotiated deals and presented their demands.   Four days later, they finished a document called the Magna Carta, which contained 63 clauses to treat the barons equally.   Later, the document was so popular the people argued that these rights should apply to them also.


The people liked the idea that taxes could not be changed without the consent of the people.   He had to meet with his advisers and negotiate a deal to see if they would raise the taxes.   He also gave due process of law by giving the people fairer ways to get freedom.   A person now had the right to a jury trial and the protection of the law.


The barons forced the king to go with these demands to limit his power.   They received a limited monarchy to keep his power down.   The writings were used so the King would imply with them; thus, he would not break them while he was on duty.   Some of the Magna Carta writings are still used today as United States uses them for basic legal rights.   These laws and clauses gave the people more power and allowed King John to keep his job and rank.