Chapter 2 Key Ideas Regions and Society Regions

Chapter 2 – Key Ideas Regions and Society

Regions and Society • Democracy = a way of life that has had to be fought for throughout human history – Definition: government (power) is controlled by the people who live under it. – Comes from the Greek “demos” (people) and “kratos” (rule/strength) • In Britain, the first step towards democracy was the Magna Carta - also called Magna Carta Libertatum (Great Charter of Freedoms) – signed in 1215 – outlined individual freedoms and civil rights. – This was forced onto an English King (John) by his subjects. • Even with the Magna Carta, British people had to continuously fight for their democratic rights

The Magna Carta - signed in 1215 - written in Latin

Magna Carta • Important points about Magna Carta. . . • Magna Carta prevented unjust taxation. • Magna Carta defined obligations between the monarch and the nobles. • Magna Carta required the monarch to consult parliament • Magna Carta guaranteed personal rights and freedoms. • In short, Magna Carta limited the power of the monarchy, and forced kings and queens to rule according to the law. • Magna Carta is a starting point for modern law and government. • Magna Carta is the starting point for the Canadians • Charter of Rights and Freedoms!

Regions and Society • Elizabeth I (Sept 7, 1533 – Mar 24, 1603) was Queen of England Queen of Ireland from 1558 until 1603. • Born a princess, then declared illegitimate. • Mother (Anne Boleyn) executed when she was three. • Sister (Catholic Mary: 15531558) put her in jail for supporting Protestantism. • Under Queen Elizabeth (a Tudor), the British monarchy accepted the democratic traditions of the people

Trouble with the Stuarts… • After Elizabeth’s death, King James VI of Scotland became King James I of England. • James I (a Stuart) fought with parliament for control of the country

Some “actual” Stuarts: James I & Charles I

Civil War • British people eventually went to war against their King • This created a civil war that would eventually lead Britain to a constitutional monarchy

• Absolute Monarchy = the king or the queen is the sole source of political power, as he or she is not legally bound by the constitution • Constitutional Monarchy = where a King or Queen is the “head of state, ” but is legally bound to the constitution (democratic rules)

Regions and Society • At the time of Queen Elizabeth’s death, Britain had defeated its major rival (Spain) for control of the world’s oceans • Therefore was a wealthy, colonizing nation • AB partner talk: why would controlling the oceans make Britain a wealthy nation? • What do you think ‘colonizing nation’ means?

Society • Britain has always been a “class” society with its peoples belonging to either the Upper, Middle or Lower classes of society – Upper classes lived comfortably – Middle classes worked hard to better themselves financially – Majority of the population were Lower class workers who worked long hours for very little pay