Landmarks in World History

Magna Carta

The Magna Carla was a Charter of Rights granted to the Englishmen during 1215 AD by King John II. During the reign of King John II (1167-1216) the citizens of Britain were burdened with heavy taxes. As a treacherous and cruel king he curbed the privileges of nobles and clergymen. As a result the barons, clergy and the common people united and compelled King John to redress their grievances by signing the Great Charter known as the Magna Carta. It was signed by King John II in June 1215 at Runnymede. The charter contained 63 clauses guaranteeing the freedom of the barons, the church and the common man. Under this charter the king himself was to act according to the law which curbed the king's right to levy taxes arbitrarily. It ensured that the king would act with the sanction of the people's representatives in the matters of administration be it the imposition of new taxes or punishing a wrong doer or imprisonment of any man. In other words, through this document the Law was made the highest authority in the land. The Magna Carta laid down the important principle that England should be governed by a definite law and not by the whims or will of a despotic ruler.

Feudalism

Feudalism was apolitical and economic system of medieval Europe based on the relation of lord to vassal in which land was held on the condition of homage and service. A lord would promise to protect a smaller landowner from his enemies. In return, the small landowner or peasant surrendered his land and became a vassal. In 888 AD big empires were divided into small kingdoms of landowning nobles who protected peasants against tribal attacks. Peasants surrendered their lands to the nobles for protection of their lives. They were allowed to work and live on it but the land became feudal property. Feudal lords became rich and powerful and kings had to depend on them for men and money.

Renaissance

Renaissance means revival or rebirth. During the time of the Roman empire all the manuscripts containing the wisdom of the ancient Greeks were kept in Constantinople and studied by the scholars of the city. However, in 1451 AD a new Sultan, Mahomet II ascended the Turkish throne and swore to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul). In 1453 he attacked and occupied the city. The scholars fled taking with them the manuscripts and documents and settled in the cities of Italy to spread their learning throughout western Europe. In 1454, Gutenberg set up a printing press and these manuscripts and documents were reprinted, and thus astronomy, geography and other sciences were rediscovered by western Europe. A Greek copy of the New Testament (Part of the Bible) was also found, which revolutionized the process of religious reform in Europe. The Renaissance has been called therevival of learning that swept across Europe. The movement slowly spread to England in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Habeas Corpus Act, 1679

The Habeas Corpus Act was drawn up during the reign of King Charles II which stated that no one was to be imprisoned without a writ or warrant stating the charges against him. It also provided facilities to a prisoner to obtain either speedy trial or release on bail. The Act safeguarded the personal liberties of the people against arbitrary imprisonment by the king's orders.

Glorious Revolution

King James II of England, became very unpopular due to his strong Catholic beliefs. As a result he was forced to flee to France. The government invited William of Orange (1650-1702) the Dutch leader and his wife Mary, daughter of King James II, and declared them joint sovereigns on 13 February, 1689. The overthrowing of James II was without any bloodshed and is thus known as the Glorious Revolution.