Middle+Ages+Documents

Charter. This legendary document set the first major limits on the medieval Kings. When King John wanted to raise taxes and create special laws. John also at the time was having an argument with Pope Innocent III over who could appoint archbishops. This argument caused all church services to be suspended in England. For this, the aristocrats, called barons, joined together and forced the King to agree to their rules, creating the Magna Carta. The Magna Carta deals with many specific questions, including widow's financial position. Clauses 12,14, and 61 are probably the most important laws. Clauses 12 and 14 indicate that the King may not raise taxes without consulting first with a group of 25 barons. Clause 61 tells that if the King does not comply with the laws in the Magna Carta, barons are allowed to take the King's possessions. Because of this law, the power of England dramatically shifted to the barons, making the Magna Carta the first step to a parliamentary government. King John soon freed himself from the baron's control and nullified the Magna Carta, causing the First Barons' War. John died during the war and his son Henry III reissued the Magna Carta, but excising Clause 61. Although the Magna Carta was never followed through with, it remained a symbol of the limitations of a King's power in England. ||
 * The Magna Carta ||
 * [[image:Magna_Carta.jpg width="220" height="310"]] ||
 * This document above is a picture of the Magna Carta, or Great