AQA · A-Level · History
Course version: 7042 · Version from Sept 2017
England’s overseas territories: developments in Ireland after the 1175…
Full specification wording
2A Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1216 – The struggle for Royal Authority, 1174–1189: England’s overseas territories: developments in Ireland after the 1175 Treaty of Windsor; the dynastic ambitions of Henry’s sons; relations with Philip II of France; Henry’s final military campaign; the death of the King
Following the 1175 Treaty of Windsor, Henry II struggled to control Ireland as Norman barons like John de Courcy expanded their territories independently, undermining the High King Rory O'Connor.
Checked against the AQA 7042 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 4 of 4
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Following the 1175 Treaty of Windsor, Henry II struggled to control Ireland as Norman barons like John de Courcy expanded their territories independently, undermining the High King Rory O'Connor. Simultaneously, the Angevin Empire faced severe internal threats from the dynastic ambitions of Henry's sons, Richard and John, who demanded immediate power. These familial fractures were expertly exploited by Philip II of France, who allied with Richard to dismantle Angevin continental dominance. This culminated in Henry's final military campaign in 1189, where a sick and outmanoeuvred Henry was forced to submit to Philip and Richard at Colombières. The discovery of John's betrayal broke Henry's spirit, leading to his death at Chinon, marking a tragic end to his formidable reign.
What earns the marks
- Analyse the failure of the 1175 Treaty of Windsor to stabilise Ireland due to independent Norman expansion.
- Evaluate how the dynastic ambitions and rebellions of Richard and John destabilised the Angevin Empire.
- Assess the diplomatic and military strategies used by Philip II of France to exploit divisions within the Angevin royal family.
- Explain the events of Henry II's final military campaign, including his defeat and submission at Colombières.
- Describe the circumstances surrounding the death of Henry II and the impact of John's betrayal.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Claiming the Treaty of Windsor successfully pacified Ireland.
Put it right by explaining it failed because ambitious Norman barons ignored its terms and continued conquering territory.
Confusing the roles of Henry's sons.
Put it right by specifying that Richard allied with Philip II in the final campaign, while John's secret betrayal was discovered just before Henry's death.
Underestimating Philip II's role.
Put it right by emphasising Philip's deliberate manipulation of Henry's sons to weaken the Angevin Empire.
Exam tips
- Connect the developments in Ireland to the broader theme of Henry II struggling to maintain authority over his over-mighty subjects.
- Analyse Philip II's actions not just as military campaigns, but as calculated diplomatic manoeuvres exploiting Angevin family dynamics.
- Use the final campaign and Henry's death to evaluate the ultimate fragility of the Angevin Empire despite its vast territorial extent.
Try the lesson
The start of the 2A Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1216 – The struggle for Royal Authority, 1174–1189: England’s overseas territories: developments in Ireland after the 1175 Treaty of Windsor; the dynastic ambitions of Henry’s sons; relations with Philip II of France; Henry’s final military campaign; the death of the King lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which of Henry II's sons openly allied with King Philip II of France, paying homage to him for the continental Angevin lands, during the final military campaign of 1189?
Listen
Following the 1175 Treaty of Windsor, Henry II struggled to control Ireland as Norman barons like John de Courcy expanded their territories independently, undermining the High King Rory O'Connor. Simultaneously, the Angevin Empire faced severe internal threats from the dynastic ambitions of Henry's sons, Richard and John, who demanded immediate power. These familial fractures were expertly exploited by Philip II of France, who allied with Richard to dismantle Angevin continental dominance. This culminated in Henry's final military campaign in 1189, where a sick and outmanoeuvred Henry was forced to submit to Philip and Richard at Colombières. The discovery of John's betrayal broke Henry's spirit, leading to his death at Chinon, marking a tragic end to his formidable reign. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Analyse the failure of the 1175 Treaty of Windsor to stabilise Ireland due to independent Norman expansion. Evaluate how the dynastic ambitions and rebellions of Richard and John destabilised the Angevin Empire. Assess the diplomatic and military strategies used by Philip II of France to exploit divisions within the Angevin royal family. Explain the events of Henry II's final military campaign, including his defeat and submission at Colombières. A common slip: Claiming the Treaty of Windsor successfully pacified Ireland. Instead, explaining it failed because ambitious Norman barons ignored its terms and continued conquering territory. Exam tip: Connect the developments in Ireland to the broader theme of Henry II struggling to maintain authority over his over-mighty subjects.
Key words
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Royal authority and rebellion
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Diplomacy and foreign relations
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Dynastic conflict and succession
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Territorial expansion and control
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See every definition
- Royal authority and rebellion
- Henry II struggled to maintain authority over his over-mighty subjects, while the dynastic ambitions and rebellions of Richard and John destabilised the Angevin Empire.
- Diplomacy and foreign relations
- Philip II of France used calculated diplomatic manoeuvres, exploiting Angevin family dynamics and allying with Richard to dismantle Angevin continental dominance.
- Dynastic conflict and succession
- The dynastic ambitions of Henry's sons, Richard and John, who demanded immediate power, created severe internal threats and familial fractures.
- Territorial expansion and control
- After the 1175 Treaty of Windsor, Norman barons expanded their territories independently, undermining the High King and Henry's control of Ireland.
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