Henry II and Ireland: the invasions of 1169 and 1171; relations with the Irish nobility
Henry II extended his power into Ireland through two military invasions. He then worked to bring Irish kings and lords under his authority as their overlord.
Real World
Diarmait Mac Murchada's invitation to Henry II mirrors situations where a faction in a weaker state invites a powerful foreign patron in to settle a domestic dispute — only to find the patron stays and dominates, as Anglo-Norman lords rapidly carved out lordships far beyond Diarmait's original request.
Exam Focus
Distinguish between the 1169 invasion by Anglo-Norman lords and Henry's direct 1171 intervention — examiners penalise conflation of the two.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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