BattlefieldsBattle of Bouvines
Medieval

Battle of Bouvines

1214
Nord, france
Also known as: Bouvines 1214
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Nord, france
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Anglo-imperial coalition (Otto IV / John)
Forces
Otto IV/John c.8,000–15,000.
VS
Victor
France (Philip II Augustus)
Forces
Philip II c.8,000–15,000
Outcome
John's coalition destroyed; John forced home; barons revolted → Magna Carta
The Battle

History & Significance

The continental defeat that directly caused Magna Carta. John's strategy depended on a two-front war against Philip Augustus. When his imperial allies were destroyed at Bouvines, John was forced home humiliated and bankrupt. The barons who had bankrolled the campaign revolted; the result was Magna Carta in June 1215. Bouvines is thus the most consequential battle in the history of constitutional government.

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