Philip II Augustus successfully took Normandy and other French lands from the English (John Lackland).
We, the townspeople, stand with the King. Why wouldn't we? The local counts and dukes only care for their own power, but the King protects our markets and grants us charters. When Philip fought at the , we prayed for his victory, for his strength is our security. France is no longer a collection of quarreling lands; it is becoming a kingdom, and Paris is its beating heart. Key Historical Facts used in the Story: Philip II Augustus successfully took Normandy and other
The city itself is transforming. The King has ordered the main streets to be paved with stone—no more sinking into the muck after a spring rain! He is even building a great wall around Paris to keep us safe, and a massive fortress they call the Louvre. The local counts and dukes only care for
Just yesterday, I saw the King’s men returning from the north. They bring news of great victories against the English King, John Lackland. It is said that Normandy, Anjou, and Maine are finally ours again! For a merchant like me, this is a blessing. No longer do I have to pay a dozen different tolls to local lords just to bring my wool across a single province. The King is bringing order, and where there is order, there is trade. Key Historical Facts used in the Story: The
Merchants and townspeople supported the King against the feudal lords because a strong central power protected trade and order.
A decisive victory that cemented Philip's authority and the unification process.