The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, is significant in English history as it established the principle that everyone, including the king, is subject to the law. Issued by King John in response to pressure from his barons, the Magna Carta aimed to limit royal authority and protect the rights of his subjects. It introduced key legal concepts such as due process and the right to a fair trial, laying the groundwork for constitutional governance. Its enduring legacy has influenced democratic movements and legal systems around the world, symbolizing the fight against tyranny.