The murder of St. Thomas Becket in 1170 was a significant event in defining the relationship between Church and State in Mediaeval England. It called into question the validity of the King’s authority, and the extent to which the Papacy were able to claim political, as well as spiritual, supremacy in England. The murder served to significantly change the relationship between Church and State in England in several ways, and also played a part in bringing about Magna Carta in 1215, the consequences of which are still relevant to English politics today.
Table of Contents
- I. Introduction
- II. Becket's rise to power
- III. The relationship between Church and State prior to the murder of Becket.
- IV. The murder's immediate political impact 1170-1174
- V. Longer term impact of the murder 1174-1215
- VI. The role of the murder in the signing of Magna Carta (1215)
Objectives and Key Themes
This dissertation aims to analyze the impact of the murder of St. Thomas Becket on the relationship between Church and State in England between 1170 and 1215. It explores how this pivotal event shaped the political landscape and contributed to significant constitutional changes, culminating in the signing of Magna Carta.
- The power struggle between King Henry II and Archbishop Thomas Becket.
- The evolving relationship between the English monarchy and the Papacy.
- The political ramifications of Becket's murder.
- The long-term consequences of the murder on English Church-State relations.
- The connection between Becket's murder and the Magna Carta.
Chapter Summaries
I. Introduction: This chapter sets the stage by introducing the murder of Thomas Becket in 1170 and its lasting impact on the relationship between Church and State in England. It highlights the significance of the event, its context within the ongoing power struggle between Becket and King Henry II, and its ultimate contribution to the Magna Carta. The chapter lays out the central question the dissertation seeks to answer: how did the murder of St. Thomas Becket affect the relationship between the Church and State in England between 1170 and 1215?
II. Becket's rise to power: This chapter details the life and career of Thomas Becket, tracing his rise from relatively humble origins to becoming Archbishop of Canterbury. It examines his early life, education, and political career under King Henry II, emphasizing the close relationship they initially shared. The chapter concludes by highlighting the shift in their relationship following Becket's appointment as Archbishop and his increasing advocacy for the Church's independence from royal interference.
III. The relationship between Church and State prior to the murder of Becket.: This chapter analyzes the state of the Church-State relationship in England before Becket's assassination. It examines the existing power dynamics, the historical context of conflicts between the Crown and the Church, and the extent of royal influence over ecclesiastical matters. The chapter sets the historical groundwork for understanding the immediate and long-term ramifications of Becket's death.
IV. The murder's immediate political impact 1170-1174: This section explores the immediate consequences of Becket's murder in the years following the event. It analyzes the widespread outrage that ensued, both domestically and internationally, and examines how the murder further exacerbated the tensions between the King and the Papacy. The chapter will likely detail the political maneuvering and negotiations that followed the assassination, demonstrating its short-term effects on the Church-State dynamic.
V. Longer term impact of the murder 1174-1215: This chapter examines the long-term consequences of the murder on the Church-State relationship. It analyzes how the event influenced the broader political climate, contributing to a gradual shift in power dynamics. This will likely include an examination of how the murder contributed to the growth of Church autonomy and limitations on royal power.
VI. The role of the murder in the signing of Magna Carta (1215): This chapter analyzes the direct connection between Becket's murder and the eventual signing of the Magna Carta in 1215. It will explore how the murder and its aftermath shaped the political landscape leading to the demands for greater limitations on royal authority and the eventual concessions made by King John. The chapter emphasizes the lasting legacy of Becket's death in shaping the constitutional development of England.
Keywords
Church and State, England, Medieval England, Thomas Becket, Henry II, Magna Carta, Papacy, Power Struggle, Royal Authority, Ecclesiastical Independence, Constitutional History.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Dissertation on the Murder of Thomas Becket and its Impact
What is the main focus of this dissertation?
This dissertation analyzes the impact of the murder of St. Thomas Becket on the relationship between Church and State in England from 1170 to 1215. It examines how this event shaped the political landscape and contributed to significant constitutional changes, culminating in the Magna Carta.
What are the key themes explored in the dissertation?
Key themes include the power struggle between King Henry II and Archbishop Thomas Becket; the evolving relationship between the English monarchy and the Papacy; the political ramifications of Becket's murder; the long-term consequences of the murder on English Church-State relations; and the connection between Becket's murder and the Magna Carta.
What topics are covered in each chapter?
Chapter I (Introduction): Introduces the murder of Thomas Becket and its lasting impact, highlighting its significance and the central research question. Chapter II (Becket's rise to power): Details Becket's life and career, emphasizing his relationship with King Henry II and the shift in their relationship. Chapter III (Church and State before Becket's murder): Analyzes the Church-State relationship in England before the assassination, examining power dynamics and historical conflicts. Chapter IV (Immediate political impact 1170-1174): Explores the immediate consequences of the murder, including widespread outrage and increased tensions. Chapter V (Longer-term impact 1174-1215): Examines the long-term consequences, including shifts in power dynamics and the growth of Church autonomy. Chapter VI (The role of the murder in the Magna Carta): Analyzes the connection between Becket's murder and the signing of the Magna Carta, emphasizing its lasting legacy in shaping English constitutional development.
What is the overall argument or conclusion of the dissertation?
The dissertation argues that the murder of Thomas Becket significantly impacted the relationship between Church and State in England, contributing to a gradual shift in power dynamics and ultimately influencing the creation of the Magna Carta. The exact nature of this influence is explored in detail across the chapters.
What are the key words associated with this dissertation?
Church and State, England, Medieval England, Thomas Becket, Henry II, Magna Carta, Papacy, Power Struggle, Royal Authority, Ecclesiastical Independence, Constitutional History.
What is the purpose or objective of this dissertation?
The dissertation aims to thoroughly analyze the impact of the murder of St. Thomas Becket on the relationship between Church and State in England between 1170 and 1215, demonstrating its lasting influence on English constitutional history.
Where can I find a more detailed preview of the dissertation's contents?
The provided HTML includes a comprehensive preview, encompassing the table of contents, objectives and key themes, and chapter summaries. This detailed preview allows for a thorough understanding of the dissertation's scope and arguments.
- Quote paper
- Andrew Lythall (Author), 2007, How did the murder of St. Thomas Becket affect the relationship between Church and State in England 1170-1215?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/77548
