Examine the reasons for conflict between the kings of England and France between 1154 and 1216.

The question requires that candidates consider the underlying reasons for the intermittent conflicts between England and France over the time period. Some may argue that each conflict had a different cause, some were about the relationship between the kings of France and England and some were territorial disputes. For example, Henry II was reluctant to pay personal homage to Louis VII, there were disputes over the guardianship of Geoffrey of Brittany and Richard I broke his betrothal to Alys of France leading to conflict. Richard and John were in conflict with France to try and regain lost territories. Others may argue that there was one major underlying cause which was the desire of Louis VII and more particularly Phillip Augustus to extend the authority of the French Crown and to weaken the Angevin Commonwealth: a too powerful vassal of France. Phillip Augustus particularly exploited poor relations between Henry and his sons to extend French authority. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer an examination of the reasons for conflict between the kings of England and France between 1154 and 1216. Few responses were seen to this question. Some candidates did have good knowledge and understanding of the topic. Some knew much more about the reasons for conflict during the reign of King John (1199-1216) and needed to know about the reasons for conflict during the reigns of Henry II (1154-1189) and Richard (1189-1199).