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Difficulty: HardThe Anglo-Saxons

Following the Roman withdrawal in 410 AD and the subsequent establishment of several independent kingdoms by 600 AD, Britain faced renewed threats from Viking invaders in the 9th century. Which of the following accurately describes the outcome of King Alfred the Great's leadership during this historical period?

  1. He led the resistance against the Vikings and established a peace treaty that created the Danelaw, leaving the final unification of England to his successors.Answer
  2. B
    He arrived in 410 AD to lead the Jutes and Angles in the initial conquest of Britain after the Roman legions returned to Italy.
  3. C
    He was the first monarch to successfully defeat the Norman army and abolish the feudal system across all of Great Britain.
  4. D
    He formed a permanent alliance with the Viking invaders to restore the Roman administration in the north and east of England.

Answer

King Alfred the Great is remembered for leading the resistance against the Vikings and signing a peace treaty that established the Danelaw, though it was his son and grandson who eventually unified the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms into one England.
The correct answer accurately identifies that King Alfred the Great defeated the Vikings and established a treaty resulting in the Danelaw. It also correctly notes the nuance that while he stopped the Viking conquest, the full unification of England was completed by his successors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the timeline of early British invasions.
The Romans left in 410 AD, followed by the Anglo-Saxon settlement (Jutes, Angles, Saxons), and then the Viking invasions in the 8th and 9th centuries.
Correct sequencing is essential to distinguish between the different groups that shaped early Britain.
2
Identify the specific role of King Alfred the Great in the 9th century.
Alfred defeated the Vikings and established a treaty where the Vikings settled in the north and east (the Danelaw).
Alfred's primary achievement was preventing a total Viking conquest of the Anglo-Saxon territories.
3
Distinguish between Alfred's defense and the final unification of England.
Alfred stabilized his kingdom (Wessex), but the unification of all kingdoms occurred later under his descendants.
The Life in the UK handbook specifies that Alfred's son and grandson conquered the Danelaw to unite the kingdoms.

Key Concept

The Anglo-Saxon resistance and the establishment of the Danelaw

Practice More

Review the specific names of the three tribes that arrived after the Romans and the geographical area of the Danelaw.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

The Anglo-Saxons

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