Why did King John seal the Magna Carta?

King John sealed the Magna Carta on June 15, 1215, primarily under the threat of civil war. His decision was the result of long-standing tensions with his barons, which reached a breaking point due to several factors:12

• Military Failure and Financial Strain: Following the loss of Normandy in 1204, John relied heavily on English resources to fund his campaigns to regain his French territories. His efforts were costly and unsuccessful, culminating in a defeat at the Battle of Bouvines in 1214.34
• Oppressive Governance: To finance his wars, John exploited his feudal prerogatives, imposing heavy taxes and massive inheritance duties known as reliefs. His constant presence in England made his rule feel more personal and oppressive compared to his predecessors.34
• Abuse of Law: By 1215, many barons were in open revolt against what they perceived as the king’s arbitrary disregard for law and custom.3

Ultimately, John accepted the Articles of the Barons at Runnymede as a compromise to avoid further conflict and to address demands for a statement of feudal law.25