Magna Carta: The Great Charter

Introduction

• Magna Carta, one of the world's most famous documents.
• Inspired figures like Thomas Jefferson and Mahatma Gandhi.
• Originally created in medieval England, 1215.

Background

• King John was the ruler of England in 1215.
• Known for his poor leadership:
  • Imprisoned former wife
  • Starved opponents
  • Allegedly murdered his nephew
  • Pulled beards of Irish chiefs
• Imposed heavy taxes to fund expensive foreign wars.
• Severe punishments for non-compliance from barons.

Creation of Magna Carta

• Barons demanded King John obey the law.
• King John's refusal led to the capture of London by the barons.
• Negotiation at Runnymede in June 1215.
• Resulted in the document known as Magna Carta.

Content and Significance

• Initially focused on medieval rites and customs.
• Became a symbol of liberty worldwide.
• Famous clause: Right to justice and fair trial for all free men.
  • No man shall be arrested or imprisoned except by judgment of their equals and by the law of the land.
• Limitations: Applied only to 'free men,' not to the majority, who were unfree peasants.

Historical Impact

• Intended to create peace, but led to civil war after the Pope invalidated it.
• King John's death in 1216 led to the throne of nine-year-old Henry III.
• Magna Carta was reissued several times in the 13th century.
• Eventually became part of English law.

Legacy

• Influenced the United States Declaration of Independence and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• Legacy: Leaders and common people must obey the law.

Conclusion

• Initially a specific complaint document by barons.
• Evolved into an international symbol of liberty.
• Instrumental in the rights we value today.