Stuart England - James I, Charles I & the English Civil War

Summary

This lecture delves into the Stuart reign in England, beginning with James I's belief in the divine right of kings and his conflict with Parliament over taxation and religious issues, including the rise of Puritanism. James I's son, Charles I, continued these policies, leading to the English Civil War in 1642. Oliver Cromwell emerged as a military and political leader, executing Charles I and establishing a Puritan republic. Cromwell's strict moral codes and controversial policies in Ireland and Scotland eventually led to the restoration of the monarchy with Charles II.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Stuarts came to power in England after Queen Elizabeth I's death in 1603, with James I, son of Mary Queen of Scots, becoming king.
• 👑 James I was a strong believer in the divine right of kings and was not inclined to work with Parliament, particularly on matters of taxation.
• 💼 To raise funds without Parliament's approval, James I levied new customs duties known as 'impositions'.
• 📖 James I published the King James Bible in 1611, a well-studied and translated version that helped appease the masses.
• 👦 Charles I, James' son, was also a believer in the divine right of kings and continued to levy impositions, including 'ship money', to fund wars and court life.
• 🏛 Charles I faced opposition from Parliament, who demanded reforms and the signing of the Petition of Rights, asserting that the king was subject to the law.
• 🤝 Charles I's refusal to work with Parliament and his policies led to tensions and eventually the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642.
• ⚔️ The Civil War saw the formation of the 'Roundheads', led by Oliver Cromwell, who created a new and effective army that eventually defeated the 'Cavaliers', supporters of Charles I.
• 🏛️ The conflict between moderates and radicals in Parliament after the Civil War led to Charles I's trial and execution in 1649, marking the end of the monarchy for a time.
• 🕊️ The period of the Commonwealth under Cromwell saw strict Puritan rule, including the banning of sports, theater, dancing, and Christmas celebrations.
• 🌐 Cromwell's policies towards Ireland and Scotland were harsh, leading to significant depopulation and unrest in both regions.

Q & A

Who came to the throne after Queen Elizabeth I's death in 1603?

James I, the son of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the King of Scotland, succeeded to the throne after Queen Elizabeth I's death.

What was James I's view on the divine right of kings?

James I was a strong believer in the divine right of kings, asserting that the monarch's authority came directly from God and was not to be questioned by parliament or the people.

How did James I attempt to raise funds without parliament's approval?

James I raised funds by levying new customs duties known as 'impositions', which was a way of circumventing the need for parliamentary approval for taxation.

What religious group was growing in numbers under James I and Elizabeth I?

The Puritans, a Calvinist group, were growing in numbers during the reigns of both Elizabeth I and James I.

Why did the Puritans want changes to the Anglican Church?

The Puritans wanted the Anglican Church to adopt more Calvinist doctrines, reflecting their own religious beliefs and practices.

What significant religious controversy did Charles I cause by marrying a Catholic?

Charles I's marriage to the Catholic Henrietta Maria, the sister of King Louis XIII of France, was highly controversial and fueled fears of a Catholic revival in England.

What was the Petition of Rights and what did it demand from the king?

The Petition of Rights was a document presented to Charles I by Parliament, demanding that the king be subject to the law, could not levy taxes without parliamentary approval, impose forced loans, declare martial law in peacetime, imprison citizens without trial, or quarter troops in private homes.

Why did the English Civil War break out in 1642?

The English Civil War broke out in 1642 due to escalating tensions between the king and Parliament over issues such as taxation, religious reforms, and the king's perceived disregard for the law and parliamentary authority.

Who was Oliver Cromwell and what role did he play in the English Civil War?

Oliver Cromwell was a farmer and a member of Parliament who rose to prominence during the English Civil War. He formed the New Model Army, which played a crucial role in defeating the Royalists at the Battle of Naseby and other engagements.

What was the outcome of Charles I's trial and what did it signify for the monarchy?

Charles I was found guilty of treason by the Rump Parliament and was beheaded in 1649. This event marked the end of the monarchy and the beginning of a republic in England, albeit a short-lived one.

How did Oliver Cromwell's rule impact the cultural and religious life in England?

Cromwell's rule, influenced by Puritan beliefs, imposed strict moral codes and regulations on the people of England. He banned sports, theater, dancing, and even the celebration of Christmas, which greatly alienated many English people.

What was the Act of Settlement 1652 and what were its consequences?

The Act of Settlement was a law passed by Cromwell that redistributed the lands of two-thirds of the Catholic property owners in Ireland to Protestant English colonists. This led to significant suffering and the death of approximately 15-20% of the Irish population.

Why did the English people eventually call for the return of the monarchy?

After Cromwell's death, his son Richard proved to be an ineffective ruler, and the republican government struggled to address the nation's needs. This led to a desire for stability and the restoration of the monarchy, which occurred with the return of King Charles II.