In-depth revision material for topics 1A: Why did monarchical government fail 1625-49?, 1B: Why did Republican rule fail to provide a lasting settlement 1649-60, 1C: Why was the Stuart monarchy restored in 1660 only to collapse 28 years later?, 2A: How effectively did the Church of England/Anglican...
Theme 1A
Why did monarchical government fail 1625-49?
(POLITICAL INSTABILITY)
Sudden changes
Serious failures
EVIDENCE
o Disputes between Charles and parliament 1625-49
o Bishops Wars and attack on Charles's powers in following years
o Outbreak of civil war
o Failed search for settlement after war and execution of Charles
Blaming Charles (actions and personality)
Crown’s financial problems
Religious issues
Actions of parliament
Actions of Charles I
o Foreign policy – disastrous campaigns against Spanish – causes dispute between Charles
and parliament as Charles is desperate for money – back and forth dissolution of
parliament – INSTABILITY
o Religious policy – attempt to reform Scottish Kirk – complete lack of judgement –
Bishop's war 1639 – INSTABILITY
o Attempt to arrest Pym and his allies – direct attack on parliament’s rights – amplifies
tensions – civil war – INSTABILITY
o Restarting civil war 1648 – army distrusts Charles – pride's purge – Charles’ execution –
INSTABILITY
Personality of Charles I
o Stubborn – refuses to compromise on his beliefs on Divine Right
o Arrogant – never willing to accept offers that scale back his power/authority – e.g.
ignores Petition of Rights – negotiation attempts after civil war – untrustworthy/snake
o Loyal – never accepts impeachment a Buckingham (also due to arrogance and belief in
Divine Right of Kings) – causes dissolution of parliament
Crown’s financial problems
o King relies on parliament for money – increase in their power – wish to maintain
o Financial issues at the heart of the major crises at start of period – Charles constantly
needs to call parliament – then embarks on personal rule
o Tax raising efforts – forced loans, Five Knights case, ship money and Hamdan trial – John
Pym opposition in parliament
o Loses bishops war – diminishes authority (humiliated) – vulnerable in following years –
long parliament
, Religious issues
o Already fear/hostility in country towards Catholicism (Gunpowder plot) – wo rsened by
Charles's promotion of Armenian clergy and marriage with Henrietta Maria in the 1620s
– continued Laudian reforms in the 30s – tensions between Charles and Protestant
parliament
o Paranoia leads to parliament acting rashly after Irish uprising 1641 – rumours of
Protestant massacre – parliament attempts to raise own army – distrust – deterioration
of relations
o Spread of religious radicalism – major source of tension between parliament and army –
Conservatives see these as a threat as uniformity seen as a central for social order and
hierarchy – radicalism in army leads to parliament disbanding it without pay – conflict
Actions of parliament
o Parliament uncooperative first – refusal of Tonnage and Poundage for life 1625 – insult –
negative relationship from outset
o Pym’s Junto – aggressive pursuit of reform – pursuit of Strafford – forced Charles to sign
death warrant – raised own army – rumour of attempt to impeach Queen – alienates
other members of parliament and Charles
o Politicisation of the army (due to parliament disbanding) leads to failure to reach
settlement after civil war – makes things more complicated as there is now another
group offering settlement terms – also leads to pride's purge due to parliament ignoring
army demands
Timeline
Forced loan 1627
5 Knights Case 1627
Buckingham assassinated 1628
Petition of Rights 1629
Personal rule 1629
Laud becomes archbishop of canterbury 1633
Ship money 1634
Hamden trial 1637
Book of Common Prayer 1837
1st Bishops’ war 1639
Short parliament 1640
2nd Bishops’ war 1640
Long parliament 1640
Irish rebellion 1641
Grand Remonstrance and 10 propositions 1641
Impeachment of Laud 1641
Execution of Strafford 1641
Attempted arrest of 5 MPs 1642
1st Civil War 1642-6
Charles captured by Scots 1646
Attempt to find settlement 1646-8
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller carmenburridge. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £9.46. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
