Magna Carta – the great charter of freedoms
Magna Carta actually means “the great charter of freedoms”. The agreement was signed on 15 July 1215 by King John of England. This document was not only revolutionary on paper, but laid the grounds for future protests against the monarchy and is an important symbol of liberty even today, and therefore represents a milestone in British and American democracy.
What is the Magna Carta?
The Magna Carta limited the king’s power for the first time in history. It created the principle that everyone is subject to the law – even the king. Provoked by high taxes forced by unpopular kings to finance expensive and disastrous wars against France, the Magna Carta mainly protected wealth and power for the British elite.
The 3,600-word-long contract contained three important parts that have helped to change British society:
- It guaranteed a fair legal trial for all people.
- It took away the right of the monarch to demand taxes as they wished.
- It made it clear that if the monarch did not follow the law of the Magna Carta, they could be removed.
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Magna Carta presentert til kong John av England
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