The Magna Carta Magna Carta translated to English

The Magna Carta • Magna Carta translated to English means “The Great Charter” and is considered one of the most important documents in history. • Created in 1215 at Runnymede England after King John had been defeated in battle by a collective army of barons, English priests and citizens. John had a history of making more enemies than friends through strict rule. The nation revolted and beat his army. • It established that everyone in England was subject to the law including nobility. It guaranteed the right to a fair trial, the right to have legal protection and the rights of individuals when accused of a crime. • Many historians feel that the Magna Carta was the early footwork for modern Democracy. • King John gave up a lot of power not only for him but for all remaining kings of England. Many believe he never intended to live by the terms but did so to save his own head. After signing the Magna Carta, John attempted to ask the Pope and other Kings to send armies into England help him crush the revolt – no one sent troops. • Eventually the Pope did officially say that the Vatican did not accept the Magna Carta and all English citizens were still property of the king, this led to more fighting and more defeat for John’s troops. • King John began to drink heavy and eat gluttony style buffet of many foods, most were not cooked enough, he contracted dysentery and after several days of explosive diarrhea and vomiting he died. • His son Henry was crowned King of England officially agreed to the terms of the Magna Carta to end the war, this forced the Pope to also agree to the terms thus granting English citizens “The Rule of Law” protected by both political and religious doctrine. • When the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution was written, the Framers used notions from the Magna Carta such as: no taxation without representation and the right to a fair trial under law.