Discuss the causes and consequences of the wars between Philip II (Philip Augustus) and King John.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the causes and consequences of the wars between Philip II and John. Candidates may consider the long- and short-term causes, or they may focus more on short-term reasons why John and Philip were at war. Causes could include the issue of the succession to the English throne and Philip’s intervention in this dispute, the difficult relationship between vassal and overlord and constant border tension between the Angevin Empire and France. For consequences, the focus may be for both Philip and John personally, the results for France and England or a combination of both. John lost prestige at home and was unable to withstand the demands of his barons (Magna Carta). For Philip, victory increased both his personal authority as king and France became a significant and prosperous power after the acquisition of Normandy. Candidates need not offer equal coverage of causes and consequences, but both aspects must be a feature of the
response.