Lesson 6: Political and Social Change (The Middle Ages)
📜 Magna Carta
In 1215, English nobles were angry. King John made people pay high taxes and didn’t ask for help or advice. So the nobles forced him to sign a special paper. It was called the Magna Carta, or “Great Charter.”
This document said the king had to follow the law, just like everyone else. It also said the king had to ask nobles before making big decisions.
🧾 The Effects of the Magna Carta
The Magna Carta limited the king’s power. It gave people new rights, like:
A fair trial
No unfair taxes
Protection of property
🔁 Changes After the Magna Carta
The Magna Carta helped start Parliament—a group of people who helped make laws. Over time, kings had less power, and the people had more say in government.
👑 Story: At first, King John didn’t want to follow the Magna Carta. He said, “I am king! I don’t have to listen.” But the nobles said, “You signed it!” and made him obey.
⚔️ The Hundred Years’ War
This was a long war between England and France. It lasted from 1337 to 1453—more than 100 years!
🛡️ The Course of the War
The kings of England wanted to rule France too. So they attacked. Sometimes England was winning. Sometimes France was winning.
Then something amazing happened. A young French girl named Joan of Arc said she had visions from God. She said God told her to help France.
She wore armor and rode into battle. Her courage helped rally the French troops.
🐴 Story: People laughed at Joan at first. “You’re just a girl!” they said. But she led soldiers bravely into battle—and won!
🏰 Results of the War
France won the war in the end. Joan of Arc was captured and killed, but she became a hero. The war made both countries stronger. It also gave people a new idea: patriotism—loving your country.
☠️ The Black Death
In the 1300s, a terrible sickness came to Europe. It was called the Black Death (or the plague). It killed millions of people.
People had fevers, black spots, and died quickly. No one knew how to stop it.
💔 How Did It Change Society?
Because so many people died:
There were not enough workers
Lords had to pay peasants more money
Many moved to cities to find work
This helped end the manor system. Peasants didn’t want to stay on farms anymore.
😷 Story: A boy named Peter worked on a farm. When his whole village got sick, he ran away to the city. He got a job and a better life. Many others did the same.
✝️ The Church Reacts to Challengers
Not everyone agreed with the Church. Some people said the Church had too much money or power. The Church fought back.
The Spanish Inquisition was a group that searched for people who were not true Christians. They asked many questions and sometimes punished people.
🕵️♂️ What Was the Purpose of the Spanish Inquisition?
The goal was to keep Christianity strong in Spain. But it also caused fear. People were scared to speak out or have different ideas.
😨 Story: A woman was asked if she had the “wrong” beliefs. She said, “No, I am loyal.” But the Inquisition didn’t believe her. Many lived in fear during this time.
⚔️ Christians Fight the Moors
In Spain, Christians and Muslims had lived together for many years. The Muslims were called Moors. Slowly, Christian kingdoms in the north wanted to take back land.
This fight was called the Reconquista—it means “reconquest.” It lasted for hundreds of years. In 1492, the Christians finally took the last city, Granada.
Then, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand said all Jews and Muslims must leave Spain or become Christian.
🕌 Story: In Granada, a little boy saw the Christian army coming. He asked his mother, “Will we be safe?” She held him close and said, “We must be brave.” Many families had to leave their homes.
✡️ Jews Face Discrimination
During this time, Jews were often blamed for bad things like the Black Death. They were treated badly, forced to wear special clothes, or kicked out of countries.
In Spain, Jews had to convert to Christianity or leave. Many left behind homes, friends, and work.
🕯️ Story: A Jewish teacher said goodbye to his students. “You must always remember who you are,” he said. Then he and his family left Spain forever.