How was the William–Robert falling out eventually resolved?

• A. William reinstated Robert as heir to Normandy.
• B. Robert was exiled forever.
• C. They agreed to split Normandy between them.
• D. They appointed a third party to rule.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how dynastic disputes were settled: by clearly reaffirming the rightful inheritance and the ruler’s authority over a key territory. In this case, the way the quarrel between William and his son Robert was resolved was for William to restore and formalize Robert’s position as heir to Normandy, giving him rightful authority to govern the duchy. This move settled the tension by making Robert the legitimate successor in Normandy, reducing the incentive for further conflict and providing a stable line of succession within that duchy. It kept the land under Robert’s control rather than exiling him, splitting Normandy, or appointing a third party, and it allowed Norman governance to proceed with recognized leadership.