Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Causes of the Great Rebellion of 1173–74: the opposition of the English…
Full specification wording
Crises of the Angevin Empire, 1170–89: Causes of the Great Rebellion of 1173–74: the opposition of the English barons to Henry’s reforms; Henry’s failure to grant his sons a role in government and their flight to Paris; Eleanor’s opposition to the king.
The Great Rebellion of 1173–74 was caused by a combination of baronial discontent, royal family tensions and foreign intervention.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 4
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The Great Rebellion of 1173–74 was caused by a combination of baronial discontent, royal family tensions and foreign intervention. Henry II’s legal and administrative reforms, including the Assize of Clarendon and the expansion of royal justice, threatened baronial power and privileges, leading many English barons to oppose him. Simultaneously, Henry’s refusal to grant his sons meaningful roles in government provoked his eldest son, Henry the Young King, to flee to Paris in 1173, where he allied with Louis VII of France. Eleanor of Aquitaine, alienated by Henry’s centralising policies and his treatment of her sons, actively supported the rebellion, encouraging Richard and Geoffrey to join. The rebellion thus stemmed from a convergence of baronial, familial and international factors, all challenging Henry’s authority.
What earns the marks
- Explains how Henry II’s reforms antagonised the English barons, leading to their opposition.
- Analyses Henry’s failure to give his sons a role in government as a cause of their revolt and flight to Paris.
- Assesses Eleanor of Aquitaine’s opposition to Henry and her role in supporting the rebellion.
- Evaluates the relative importance of baronial, familial and international factors in causing the Great Rebellion.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Attributing the rebellion solely to baronial discontent.
Put it right: Family rivalries and Eleanor’s opposition were equally significant causes.
Assuming Henry’s sons had no grievances.
Put it right: They resented their lack of real power and authority.
Overlooking the role of Louis VII and the French court.
Put it right: The sons’ flight to Paris secured foreign support, escalating the conflict.
Exam tips
- Structure your answer to address each cause separately and then consider their interconnections.
- Use precise evidence, such as the Assize of Clarendon and the events of 1173, to support your points.
- Analyse the motivations of different groups: barons, sons and Eleanor, to show a nuanced understanding.
Try the lesson
The start of the Crises of the Angevin Empire, 1170–89: Causes of the Great Rebellion of 1173–74: the opposition of the English barons to Henry’s reforms; Henry’s failure to grant his sons a role in government and their flight to Paris; Eleanor’s opposition to the king. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
In the Great Rebellion of 1173–74, where did Henry II's rebellious sons go to seek support against their father?
Listen
The Great Rebellion of 1173–74 was caused by a combination of baronial discontent, royal family tensions and foreign intervention. Henry II’s legal and administrative reforms, including the Assize of Clarendon and the expansion of royal justice, threatened baronial power and privileges, leading many English barons to oppose him. Simultaneously, Henry’s refusal to grant his sons meaningful roles in government provoked his eldest son, Henry the Young King, to flee to Paris in 1173, where he allied with Louis VII of France. Eleanor of Aquitaine, alienated by Henry’s centralising policies and his treatment of her sons, actively supported the rebellion, encouraging Richard and Geoffrey to join. The rebellion thus stemmed from a convergence of baronial, familial and international factors, all challenging Henry’s authority. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains how Henry II’s reforms antagonised the English barons, leading to their opposition. Analyses Henry’s failure to give his sons a role in government as a cause of their revolt and flight to Paris. Assesses Eleanor of Aquitaine’s opposition to Henry and her role in supporting the rebellion. Evaluates the relative importance of baronial, familial and international factors in causing the Great Rebellion. A common slip: attributing the rebellion solely to baronial discontent. Instead, family rivalries and Eleanor’s opposition were equally significant causes. Exam tip: Structure your answer to address each cause separately and then consider their interconnections.
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