An Outline of English History for Use in High Schools and Colleges; (Based on Cheyney's "Short History of England")

Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: victory of the Roman church at Whitby so important in England's history ? 4. Describe in a brief way the political rivalries of the different kingdoms from the seventh century to the early ninth century. Why were North- umbria, Mercia, and Wessex so much more powerful than the other kingdoms ? Topics VIII-XI 1. Discuss the first series of Danish invasions in regard to their causes, character, and results on England. In what way did they help English nationality and unity ? 2. Give an account of King Alfred's reign, emphasizing the military, legal, literary, and national movements of the time. Why might Alfred be called England's first national king ? What do you admire most in his life ? 3. Describe the Anglo-Saxon system of government and law. What was the great weakness of the system as compared with modern systems of government ? 4. Explain or comment on: (a) Five Boroughs; textit{(b) Treaty of Wed- more; textit{(c) Anglo-Saxon Chronicle; (/) yEthelflseda; textit{(e) Brunanburh; textit{(f) Edgar the Peaceful; textit{(g) tun; (k) eorl and textit{ceorl; (/) Elfric; (/) Dunstan and his reforms. Topics XII-XIV 1. Why were the second series of Danish invasions more successful than the first ? Give a brief account of the Danish-English kings, especially of Cnut. What were the qualities that made Cnut a great ruler ? 2. Show how Norman influences entered England before the conquest, and discuss the politics of Edward the Confessor's reign. Why were William of Normandy's claims to the throne of little account and Harold's good ? How was the question really decided ? 3. Give a clear, connected account of the Norman invasion and conquest of England (1066-1071). What particular difficulties did Harold have to meet ? Why was William's task not over after...