What was the Personal Rule? | Part One | English Civil War

Summary

Between 1629 and 1640, King Charles I ruled without Parliament, a period known as the 'personal rule.' Supporters saw it as a time of peace and reform, while critics dubbed it the 'eleven-year tyranny.' Charles dismissed Parliament in 1629 due to disputes over finances and policies, including criticisms of his favorite, the Duke of Buckingham. While ruling without Parliament was not unprecedented, Charles became increasingly out of touch with public opinion, causing tensions. His reign exemplified the delicate balance between monarchy and parliamentary authority during the period.

Takeaways

• 🤴 King Charles I ruled without Parliament between 1629 and 1640, a period known as the 'Personal Rule'.
• ⚖️ Supporters saw this time as peaceful and efficient, while critics referred to it as an 'Eleven Year Tyranny'.
• 💰 The rift between Charles and Parliament began over disagreements on foreign policy funding, with Parliament granting only a fraction of what the king wanted.
• 🔨 Parliament also sought to remove Charles' favorite, the Duke of Buckingham, leading to further tensions.
• ❌ In 1629, when Parliament criticized his religious and financial policies and sought to limit his funds, Charles dismissed them.
• 👑 It was not unusual for monarchs to rule without Parliament. Charles followed a tradition set by predecessors like Elizabeth I and James I.
• 🛑 During the 1630s, the absence of Parliament meant there was no outlet for public grievances, leading to growing disconnect between the king and his subjects.
• 🗣️ Personal rule allowed Charles to expand his Privy Council, which included diverse political voices, but it also meant less direct communication with the people.
• 🚨 The lack of Parliamentary input in the 1630s made Charles increasingly out of touch with popular opinions and concerns.
• 📉 His policies during this time were perceived as threats to both public liberties and Parliamentary privileges.

Q & A

Why did King Charles I dismiss Parliament in 1629?

King Charles I dismissed Parliament in 1629 because of a deteriorating relationship. Parliament only granted a fraction of the money he requested, demanded the removal of his favorite, the Duke of Buckingham, and criticized his religious and financial policies. This led to a political deadlock, prompting Charles to rule without Parliament.

What was the period from 1629 to 1640 known as?

The period from 1629 to 1640, when King Charles I ruled without Parliament, is known as the 'Personal Rule' or, by critics, as the 'Eleven Year Tyranny'.

How did supporters and critics of King Charles I view his period of Personal Rule?

Supporters of King Charles I saw the Personal Rule as a period of peace and efficient governance. However, his critics referred to it as the 'Eleven Year Tyranny', condemning his autocratic style and policies.

What were the concerns of Parliament regarding King Charles I's foreign policy?

Parliament was concerned about the high cost of King Charles I's aggressive foreign policy and was looking to assert its authority by restricting funding and challenging his decisions.

How common was it for English monarchs to rule without Parliament?

It was not unusual for English monarchs to rule without Parliament. For example, Queen Elizabeth I summoned Parliament as little as possible, and King James I also ruled without Parliament for extended periods.

How did King Charles I manage governance during his Personal Rule?

During his Personal Rule, King Charles I expanded the role of his Privy Council, including former parliamentary critics. He gathered diverse opinions from astute politicians and considered advice from various perspectives.

What political function did frequent parliamentary meetings serve during the 1620s?

Frequent parliamentary meetings during the 1620s served as a political safety valve, allowing the King's subjects to express their opinions and discontent about his policies, which helped maintain communication between the monarch and the wider political sphere.

What was the main issue with Charles I's Personal Rule in the 1630s?

The main issue with Charles I's Personal Rule in the 1630s was that it cut off communication with his subjects, making him and his ministers increasingly out of touch with popular opinion. This led to perceptions that his policies threatened liberties and parliamentary privileges.

Why did Parliament demand the removal of the Duke of Buckingham?

Parliament demanded the removal of the Duke of Buckingham because they believed he wielded too much influence over the King and was a key figure in the unpopular policies and decisions being made by the Crown.

How did King Charles I justify his Personal Rule?

King Charles I justified his Personal Rule by asserting that all government authority flowed from the monarch. He believed that, if he did not want to pass laws or raise taxes, he had no need for Parliament.