Magna Carta思维导图

The loss of land in northern France

John demanded more taxes and army services than the custom allowed

England had for some years owned land in France. The barons had provided the king with both money and men to defend this territory. Traditionally, the king had always consulted the barons before raising taxes (as they had to collect it) and demanding more men for military service (as they had to provide the men). This was all part of the Feudal System.

So long as English kings were militarily successful abroad, relations with the barons were good. But John was not very successful in his military campaigns abroad. His constant demands for more money and men angered the barons. By 1204, John had lost his land in northern France. In response to this, John introduced high taxes without asking the barons. This was against feudal law and accepted custom.

From this moment forward, the English Church shall not be under the control of the government. The church will keep all of its rights and liberties. These rights and liberties cannot be violated.

There will be no military service placed on Knights nor taxes placed on the nobility unless agreed upon by the King’s council.

Or： No military service and taxes should be demanded without the consent of the barons.

No officer of the court will place someone under arrest without a credible witness to the supposed crime.

No free person can be arrested, imprisoned, deprived of property or sent away without a trial by a jury of that person’s peers.

Or: No free man may be arrested， imprisoned，confiscated，deprived of the protection of the law，or subjected to any other harm unless he has been judged by the law of his peer or by the law of his land