Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Power and family rivalries: Henry’s plans for his sons’ inheritance; the…
Full specification wording
Crises of the Angevin Empire, 1170–89: Power and family rivalries: Henry’s plans for his sons’ inheritance; the division of Angevin lands between Henry’s sons; the position of Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Henry II’s plans for his sons’ inheritance were shaped by both dynastic ambition and the need to secure the Angevin lands.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 4
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Henry II’s plans for his sons’ inheritance were shaped by both dynastic ambition and the need to secure the Angevin lands. He intended to divide his territories among his surviving sons: Henry the Young King was to receive England, Normandy and Anjou; Richard was to receive Aquitaine; Geoffrey was to receive Brittany through his marriage; and John, initially excluded, was later granted lands, earning the nickname Lackland. This division created overlapping claims and rivalries, as the Young King resented his lack of real power while his father retained ultimate authority. Eleanor of Aquitaine, as duchess in her own right, supported her sons’ ambitions, particularly Richard’s, and her opposition to Henry’s centralising policies contributed to family tension. The resulting power struggles weakened the Angevin Empire and set the stage for the Great Rebellion of 1173–74.
What earns the marks
- Explains Henry II’s intention to divide his lands among his sons, naming the specific territories assigned to each son.
- Analyses how the division created rivalry, especially between Henry the Young King and his father over the issue of actual power versus nominal titles.
- Assesses the role of Eleanor of Aquitaine as a major landholder and her support for her sons’ claims against Henry II.
- Evaluates the consequences of these family rivalries for the stability of the Angevin Empire, including the outbreak of the Great Rebellion.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Assuming Henry II planned to disinherit his sons entirely.
Put it right: Henry intended to divide his lands but retain overall control, which caused resentment.
Treating Eleanor of Aquitaine as a passive figure.
Put it right: She was an active political player who opposed Henry and supported her sons.
Confusing the lands assigned to each son.
Put it right: Henry the Young King was to receive England, Normandy and Anjou; Richard was to receive Aquitaine; Geoffrey was to receive Brittany; John was initially excluded.
Exam tips
- Use specific evidence about the division of lands and the roles of each son to support your arguments.
- Link the family rivalries to the wider political context of the Angevin Empire and the causes of the Great Rebellion.
- Analyse the significance of Eleanor’s position as duchess of Aquitaine and her actions in the 1170s.
Try the lesson
The start of the Crises of the Angevin Empire, 1170–89: Power and family rivalries: Henry’s plans for his sons’ inheritance; the division of Angevin lands between Henry’s sons; the position of Eleanor of Aquitaine. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
In Henry II's plans for the inheritance of the Angevin lands, which son was intended to receive England, Normandy and Anjou as his share?
Listen
Henry II’s plans for his sons’ inheritance were shaped by both dynastic ambition and the need to secure the Angevin lands. He intended to divide his territories among his surviving sons: Henry the Young King was to receive England, Normandy and Anjou; Richard was to receive Aquitaine; Geoffrey was to receive Brittany through his marriage; and John, initially excluded, was later granted lands, earning the nickname Lackland. This division created overlapping claims and rivalries, as the Young King resented his lack of real power while his father retained ultimate authority. Eleanor of Aquitaine, as duchess in her own right, supported her sons’ ambitions, particularly Richard’s, and her opposition to Henry’s centralising policies contributed to family tension. The resulting power struggles weakened the Angevin Empire and set the stage for the Great Rebellion of 1173–74. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains Henry II’s intention to divide his lands among his sons, naming the specific territories assigned to each son. Analyses how the division created rivalry, especially between Henry the Young King and his father over the issue of actual power versus nominal titles. Assesses the role of Eleanor of Aquitaine as a major landholder and her support for her sons’ claims against Henry II. Evaluates the consequences of these family rivalries for the stability of the Angevin Empire, including the outbreak of the Great Rebellion. A common slip: assuming Henry II planned to disinherit his sons entirely. Instead, Henry intended to divide his lands but retain overall control, which caused resentment. Exam tip: Use specific evidence about the division of lands and the roles of each son to support your arguments.
Key words
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Dynastic politics and inheritance
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Power and authority within the family
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Regional identities and loyalties
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Causes of rebellion and conflict
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See every definition
- Dynastic politics and inheritance
- Henry II's plans for his sons' inheritance were shaped by dynastic ambition and the need to secure the Angevin lands, which he intended to divide among his surviving sons.
- Power and authority within the family
- The division created rivalry, especially between Henry the Young King and his father over actual power versus nominal titles, as the father retained ultimate authority.
- Regional identities and loyalties
- Eleanor of Aquitaine was duchess in her own right and a major landholder who supported her sons' ambitions, particularly Richard's, and opposed Henry's centralising policies.
- Causes of rebellion and conflict
- The resulting power struggles weakened the Angevin Empire and set the stage for the Great Rebellion of 1173–74.
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