Magna Carta
For England, King John I ruled in a despotic manner. He has a reputation for disregarding the rights and liberties of the populace, utilizing high taxes to amass wealth, and locking up anyone he pleased. Richard the Lionheart’s brother was King John 1. Prior to King John, Richard ruled England as King. He is well-known for having fought against the Islamic Turks in the Third Crusade in 1187 AD.
John was busy trying to seize the throne back in England while Richard was fighting in the Third Crusade. After Richard was killed in battle, he ascended to the throne and became a despicable tyrant.
The nobility finally had enough. King John was compelled to sign the “Magna Carta,” or Great Charter, by the rebels who were against the high taxes by marching into London. According to this document, the king could not rule the people’ lives anyway he pleased; instead, he had to follow the laws stated in it. It also states that a person cannot be imprisoned without first receiving due process. The king ignored this and carried on with his terrible habits, which is how the Magna Carta came to be a failure. Even after signing Magna Carta, King John I remained committed to the idea that kings have a divine right.
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