Plantagenet Essay

Throughout the years of 1100-1400 and beyond, England has shown itself to be the best representation of a national monarchy. During this time period it begins to do so with the Plantagenet rulers. The name “Plantagenet” originated from the broom plant that Geoffrey, count of Anjou, used as a personal emblem (Hamilton, 1). This plant was called Planta genesta (Hamilton, 1). Geoffrey’s son Henry II is considered to be the first Plantagenet king, however, he and his sons Richard I and John are more commonly referred to the Angevins (Hamilton, 1). The rest of the Plantagenets include Henry III, Edward I, Edward II, Edward III, and Richard II. All of these kings had to overcome and deal with political and social challenges. Some of these rulers strengthened the state while others weakened it. Interactions and involvement within, the Hundred Years War, social conflicts, and the Catholic Church all shaped the monarchy and the state of England as a whole.
With any time period within a monarchy, there will be strong leaders and weak leaders. The Plantagenets are no exception to this. While many of the great Plantagenet leaders strengthened the state of the English monarchy, some weakened it as well. Beginning with Henry II, not only was he the king of England, but also Ireland and France (Dutton, 280). King Henry II was known for his many legal reforms, most of them involving the rights and powers of the Church. Some of these reforms reorganizing the English government include improving the quality of jurisdiction of royal officials, regulating royal revenues, and emphasizing rules within the government and public (Dutton, 280). After his death, his son Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart, took his place. Richard I was rebelli...

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...h, England it was still able to remain a monarchy throughout 1100-1400 and still is today. Every government is faced with weak rulers. However while some rulers weakened the state of England, others were able to bring it back to a strong state. The Hundred Years War greatly increased the national patriotism of the English monarchy even through eventual defeat. Their use and display of the longbow during this war showed their advanced military technology as well. The Great Famine and the black plague had a massive impact among the lives of everyone during that time. Fortunately, the state of England did not fully die out and was able to regain itself afterwards. Even through social uprisings and issues among the Church, the English monarchy prevailed as the main authoritative figure. All of these reasons display how great the English monarchy was and still is today.