During the years 1100-1400 and beyond, England proved to be the best representation of a national monarchy. During this time he begins to do so with the Plantagenet rulers. The name “Plantageneto” originates from the broom plant that Godfrey, Count of Anjou, used as a personal emblem (Hamilton, 1). This plant was called Planta genesta (Hamilton, 1). Geoffrey's son Henry II is considered the first Plantagenet king, however, he and his sons Richard I and John are more commonly referred to as Angevins (Hamilton, 1). The rest of the Plantagenets include Henry III, Edward I, Edward II, Edward III and Richard II. All these kings had to overcome and face political and social challenges. Some of these rulers strengthened the state while others weakened it. Interactions and involvement within it, the Hundred Years' War, social conflicts and the Catholic Church shaped the monarchy and the state of England as a whole. In any time period within a monarchy, there will be strong leaders and weak leaders. The Plantagenets are no exception. While many of the great Plantagenet leaders strengthened the status of the English monarchy, some also weakened it. Starting with Henry II, he was not only king of England, but also of Ireland and France (Dutton, 280). King Henry II was known for his many legal reforms, most of which involved the rights and powers of the Church. Some of these reforms that reorganized English government include improving the quality of jurisdiction of royal officials, regulating royal revenue, and emphasizing rules within government and the public (Dutton, 280). After his death, his place was taken by his son Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart. Richard I was rebellious......middle of paper......h, England still managed to remain a monarchy throughout 1100-1400 and still is today. Every government faces weak rulers. However, while some rulers weakened the state of England, others managed to restore it to a strong state. The Hundred Years' War greatly increased the national patriotism of the English monarchy even through the final defeat. The use and display of the longbow during this war also demonstrated their advanced military technology. The Great Famine and the Black Death had a huge impact on everyone's lives during that time. Fortunately, the English state did not completely die out and later managed to regain itself. Even through social uprisings and controversies within the Church, the English monarchy prevailed as the main authority figure. All these reasons show how great the English monarchy was and still is today.