Royal Dealmaker Worksheet
Grade 4 Social Studies • World History
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Date:
Historical Biography & Treaty Analysis
The Royal Dealmaker
Sir Paul Methuen and the Famous Cloth & Wine Agreement
Setting London & Lisbon, 1703
Who Was Sir Paul Methuen?
Imagine being chosen by the Queen to sail across stormy seas to make friends with another nation! That was the exciting life of Sir Paul Methuen (1672–1757). Paul was a skilled British diplomat—an official messenger sent by his country to speak with foreign rulers, prevent wars, and build peaceful partnerships.
A Mission to Portugal
In the early 1700s, great nations in Europe were arguing and preparing for battle. Britain needed loyal allies. Paul travelled to Lisbon, the sunny capital of Portugal, joining his father, John Methuen. Paul was smart, polite, and spoke foreign languages fluently. The King of Portugal respected young Paul because he listened carefully and treated others with honor.
The Great Trade Bargain
In December 1703, the Methuens helped write a landmark agreement called the Methuen Treaty. It was a clever trade deal:
- British Wool: English weavers could sell warm woolen blankets and coats in Portugal without paying heavy fees.
- Portuguese Wine: Portugal could ship sweet grapes and its famous Port wine into Britain with lower customs taxes than rival nations.
Why Did It Matter?
This treaty was only three short paragraphs long, but it created an alliance that lasted for centuries! It kept British weavers working, kept Portuguese vineyards bustling, and proved that talking and trading could protect peace better than fighting. Sir Paul later served in high royal offices and showed the world the power of calm diplomacy.
Diplomat's Word Bank
Diplomat
A person representing their country to talk and negotiate with other governments.
Treaty
A formal written agreement between countries that everyone promises to follow.
Alliance
A close friendship where two countries agree to help and protect each other.
Trade
Buying, selling, or swapping goods between people or nations.
Did You Know?
Because of Paul Methuen's treaty, Portuguese Port wine became Britain's most popular drink at celebrations, while British wool warmed Portuguese families through cold winters!
Reading Strategy Look for evidence in the passage to answer the questions on page 2. Notice what each country offered in the deal!
Grade 4 Reading Comprehension • Sir Paul Methuen Page 1 of 2 (Passage) →
Comprehension & Critical Thinking
Checking for Understanding
Score / Evaluation:
/ 10 pts
1 Part A: Multiple Choice Questions (Circle the best answer)
1. What was Sir Paul Methuen's primary job as a British diplomat?
A. Sailing warships into sea battles
B. Speaking with foreign leaders to make agreements
C. Weaving woolen cloth in London factories
D. Farming sweet grapes in Portugal
2. Which product did Britain agree to sell to Portugal under the 1703 treaty?
A. Warm woolen coats and blankets
B. Sweet grapes and Port wine
C. Gold and silver coins
D. Timber to build Portuguese castles
3. Where did Paul Methuen travel to negotiate this important treaty?
A. Madrid, Spain
B. Paris, France
C. Lisbon, Portugal
D. Rome, Italy
4. Why did the King of Portugal respect Paul Methuen?
A. He brought a huge army to threaten them
B. He was polite, listened, and spoke languages well
C. He offered to rule Portugal as their new king
D. He promised never to return to Britain
2 Part B: True or False (Fill in or mark [ T ] for True or [ F ] for False)
1. A treaty is a formal written agreement between countries.
[ T ] [ F ]
2. Under the Methuen Treaty, Portugal sent woolen blankets to Britain.
[ T ] [ F ]
3. The Methuen Treaty was very long, taking over one hundred pages to write.
[ T ] [ F ]
4. Britain and Portugal formed an alliance that lasted for many generations.
[ T ] [ F ]
3 Part C: The Diplomat's Challenge (Written Response)
Why was it helpful for Britain and Portugal to trade goods (cloth and wine) instead of going to war? Give one reason based on what you read.
Royal Dealmaker Worksheet • Grade 4 Social Studies Page 2 of 2 (Assessment)
Royal Dealmaker Answer Key
Teacher Resource • Answer Key & Guide
Standards: CCSS.ELA-RI.4.1, RI.4.4 Total: 10 Pts
Royal Dealmaker Answer Key
Sir Paul Methuen & The Methuen Treaty (1703) • Grade 4 Social Studies
Master Copy
Quick Key:
Part A: 1. B • 2. A • 3. C • 4. B | Part B: 1. T • 2. F • 3. F • 4. T
Part C: Rubric (2 pts)
1 Part A: Multiple Choice Answers (1 pt each = 4 pts)
1. Job of a Diplomat Correct: B
Evidence: "Paul was a skilled British diplomat—an official messenger sent... to speak with foreign rulers, prevent wars..."
2. Britain's Traded Product Correct: A
Evidence: "British Wool: English weavers could sell warm woolen blankets and coats in Portugal without paying heavy fees."
3. Location of Negotiations Correct: C
Evidence: "Paul travelled to Lisbon, the sunny capital of Portugal, joining his father, John Methuen."
4. King's Respect Correct: B
Evidence: "The King of Portugal respected young Paul because he listened carefully and treated others with honor."
2 Part B: True or False Explanations (1 pt each = 4 pts)
1. A treaty is a formal agreement between countries. Correct definition from the text and Diplomat's Word Bank.
TRUE
2. Portugal sent woolen blankets to Britain. Correction: Britain sent woolen cloth; Portugal exported wine and grapes.
FALSE
3. The treaty was over one hundred pages long. Correction: The passage notes it was "only three short paragraphs long."
FALSE
4. Britain and Portugal formed a long-lasting alliance. Correct: The alliance created between both nations lasted for centuries.
TRUE
3 Part C: Written Response Rubric & Exemplar (2 pts)
Scoring Criteria:
- 2 pts: States a clear benefit (jobs, warm clothing, peace, cooperation) supported by text.
- 1 pt: Gives a general idea without textual detail.
- 0 pts: Inaccurate or irrelevant response.
Sample 2-Point Student Answer:
"Trading goods was better because British weavers kept their jobs and Portuguese families got warm coats, allowing both countries to be peaceful partners without any fighting."
Classroom Discussion Extension:
Ask students: "Why do countries still send diplomats to meet in person today?" Connect Paul Methuen's work to modern cooperation and peaceful conflict resolution.
