Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 2: Involvements overseas, 1189–1204 - 2 Richard and the Third…
Full specification wording
Option B2: Key topic 2: Involvements overseas, 1189–1204 - 2 Richard and the Third Crusade: Richard’s quarrel with Philip II; Richard’s military victories at Acre and Arsuf.
Richard I’s relationship with King Philip II of France culminated in a bitter quarrel.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Richard I’s relationship with King Philip II of France culminated in a bitter quarrel. Their disputes stemmed from Richard's refusal to marry Philip's sister Alice, and disagreements over who should be the King of Jerusalem. This rivalry led to Philip abandoning the crusade after the siege of Acre. Despite this, Richard achieved significant military victories. At the Siege of Acre in 1191, Richard's tactical skill and use of siege engines broke the stalemate, forcing the city's surrender. At the Battle of Arsuf, Richard maintained a tight defensive formation against Saladin's attacks. When the Hospitallers broke ranks and charged early, Richard quickly ordered a general cavalry charge that secured a crucial victory and opened the route to Jaffa.
What earns the marks
- Detail the causes of the quarrel between Richard and Philip, including the broken engagement to Alice and disputes over the crown of Jerusalem.
- Explain the consequences of the quarrel, notably Philip's early departure from the crusade.
- Describe Richard's role in the successful conclusion of the Siege of Acre in 1191, including his use of siege technology.
- Analyse Richard's tactical brilliance at the Battle of Arsuf, focusing on his disciplined march and the decisive cavalry charge against Saladin's forces.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Stating that Richard and Philip fought on opposite sides during the crusade.
Put it right: Clarify that they were allies who fell out, leading to Philip leaving the crusade, rather than fighting each other in the Holy Land.
Confusing the events of Acre and Arsuf.
Put it right: Acre was a prolonged siege that Richard helped conclude, while Arsuf was a pitched battle on the march south.
Claiming Richard captured Jerusalem after Arsuf.
Put it right: Note that while Arsuf was a great victory, Richard never successfully besieged or captured Jerusalem.
Exam tips
- Use the quarrel with Philip II to explain the political difficulties Richard faced, which ultimately weakened the crusading force.
- When discussing Arsuf, emphasise Richard's quick thinking and leadership; when the Knights Hospitaller broke discipline and charged early, Richard immediately ordered a general charge to support them and secure victory.
- Link the victory at Acre to the subsequent march to Arsuf to show a chronological understanding of the campaign.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option B2: Key topic 2: Involvements overseas, 1189–1204 - 2 Richard and the Third Crusade: Richard’s quarrel with Philip II; Richard’s military victories at Acre and Arsuf. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What was a major cause of the quarrel between King Richard I and King Philip II of France during the Third Crusade?
Listen
Richard I’s relationship with King Philip II of France culminated in a bitter quarrel. Their disputes stemmed from Richard's refusal to marry Philip's sister Alice, and disagreements over who should be the King of Jerusalem. This rivalry led to Philip abandoning the crusade after the siege of Acre. Despite this, Richard achieved significant military victories. At the Siege of Acre in 1191, Richard's tactical skill and use of siege engines broke the stalemate, forcing the city's surrender. At the Battle of Arsuf, Richard maintained a tight defensive formation against Saladin's attacks. When the Hospitallers broke ranks and charged early, Richard quickly ordered a general cavalry charge that secured a crucial victory and opened the route to Jaffa. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Detail the causes of the quarrel between Richard and Philip, including the broken engagement to Alice and disputes over the crown of Jerusalem. Explain the consequences of the quarrel, notably Philip's early departure from the crusade. Describe Richard's role in the successful conclusion of the Siege of Acre in 1191, including his use of siege technology. Analyse Richard's tactical brilliance at the Battle of Arsuf, focusing on his disciplined march and the decisive cavalry charge against Saladin's forces. A common slip: Stating that Richard and Philip fought on opposite sides during the crusade. Instead, Clarify that they were allies who fell out, leading to Philip leaving the crusade, rather than fighting each other in the Holy Land. Exam tip: Use the quarrel with Philip II to explain the political difficulties Richard faced, which ultimately weakened the crusading force.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Rivalry and diplomacy
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Military tactics and strategy
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Leadership
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Conflict and warfare
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Rivalry and diplomacy
- Richard's relationship with King Philip II of France culminated in a bitter quarrel, with disputes stemming from Richard's refusal to marry Philip's sister Alice and disagreements over who should be the King of Jerusalem.
- Military tactics and strategy
- At the Siege of Acre in 1191, Richard's tactical skill and use of siege engines broke the stalemate, forcing the city's surrender.
- Leadership
- At the Battle of Arsuf, when the Hospitallers broke ranks and charged early, Richard quickly ordered a general cavalry charge that secured a crucial victory.
- Conflict and warfare
- At the Battle of Arsuf, Richard maintained a tight defensive formation against Saladin's attacks, and the victory opened the route to Jaffa.
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