Question

why was king John forced to sign magna carta

Answer 1

The Baronial rebellion forced King John to sign the Magna Carta.

• King John in 1212, had imposed taxes on Barons that were harsh on them. He also clashed with them on methods of ruling.
• The Barons along with Stephen Langton, wanted to restrain the powers of the King and hence lodged a fight against him.
• The Barons were successful in capturing London in May 1215.
• King John realizing his losing position after the Barons invaded Windsor, settled for a meeting in Runnymede.
• Certain agreements were made at Runnymede, signed and sealed by King John.
• These agreements when documented came to be known as Magna Carta.