The Great Famine of 1315-1317: Causes
Understanding how climate change and crop failure brought Europe to the brink of collapse before the plague.
Key Questions
- Analyze the role of the 'Little Ice Age' in causing the Great Famine.
- Explain the agricultural practices that made medieval Europe vulnerable to famine.
- Predict the social and economic consequences of widespread crop failure.
National Curriculum Attainment Targets
About This Topic
Henry II was a transformative monarch who laid the foundations of the English legal system. This topic focuses on his move away from 'Trial by Ordeal' (where God was the judge) toward 'Trial by Jury' (where local men decided the facts). Students examine the Assize of Clarendon and the establishment of 'Common Law', a set of laws that applied to everyone in the kingdom, regardless of local customs.
This is a foundational topic for understanding British values and the rule of law. It shows the transition from a superstitious legal system to one based on evidence and community participation. This topic particularly benefits from hands-on, student-centered approaches like mock trials or 'legal evolution' timelines, where students can compare the fairness and logic of different systems.
Active Learning Ideas
Simulation Game: Trial by Ordeal vs. Trial by Jury
The teacher presents a simple crime (e.g., a stolen chicken). Half the class 'tries' the suspect using Ordeal by Water (simulated with a bowl and a floating object), while the other half acts as a jury of 12 peers to weigh evidence. They then compare which system felt more 'just'.
Inquiry Circle: The King's Justices
In small groups, students act as 'General Eyres' (travelling judges). They are given three local disputes from different parts of England and must use a new 'Common Law' handbook to ensure the same punishment is given in each case, showing why consistency mattered to Henry.
Think-Pair-Share: Why Change the Law?
Students discuss in pairs: 'If you were a King, why would you want everyone to follow the same laws?' and 'Why might local lords be angry about Henry's new system?' They share their thoughts on the link between law and royal power.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionTrial by Ordeal was just a way to kill people.
What to Teach Instead
It was a deeply religious ritual where people truly believed God would intervene to show the truth. Comparing the 'logic' of the Ordeal with the 'logic' of a Jury helps students understand that both systems were trying to find the truth, just through different means.
Common MisconceptionHenry II invented the jury system to be nice to his subjects.
What to Teach Instead
He did it to increase his own power and take control (and court fees) away from local lords. Peer discussion of 'motives' helps students see that legal reform was a political tool as much as a moral one.
Suggested Methodologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was 'Trial by Ordeal'?
What is 'Common Law'?
How did the first juries work?
How can active learning help students understand legal history?
Planning templates for History
5E Model
The 5E Model structures lessons through five phases (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate), guiding students from curiosity to deep understanding through inquiry-based learning.
unit plannerThematic Unit
Organize a multi-week unit around a central theme or essential question that cuts across topics, texts, and disciplines, helping students see connections and build deeper understanding.
rubricSingle-Point Rubric
Build a single-point rubric that defines only the "meets standard" level, leaving space for teachers to document what exceeded and what fell short. Simple to create, easy for students to understand.
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