Ch. 15 – Limited Monarchy and Republics FQ: What were the main issues in the struggle between king and Parliament in seventeenth century England, and how were they resolved?

The Weakness of the Polish Monarchy Struggle between crown and the landed nobility for much of history. Dynastic union of Jagiello = grand prince of Lithuania + Polish queen Jadwiga. 1572 – Jagiello dynasty comes to an end after playing big role in 15th and 16th century Europe.

Polish monarchy cont’d Elected outsiders as kings, such as Swede Sigismung III (1587-1631) to form alliances. By the end of the 17th century, Poland had become a weak, decentralized state. Monarchs shared power with the Sejm (Polish two-chamber assembly of landowners in matters such as taxation, foreign and military policy and appointment of judges and officials.

The Golden Age of the Dutch Republic United provinces were an Atlantic power Peace of Westphalia officially recognizes the United Provinces as a new state in 1648. Two major political powers = House of Orange v. States General Orange – development of centralized govt. with themselves as hereditary monarchs. – William of Orange States General – decentralized or republican form of govt.

Life in Seventeenth-century Amsterdam Amsterdam replaces Antwerp as the financial and commercial capital of Europe by 1600. Amsterdam Stock Exchange Calvinist background of wealthy Amsterdam citizens led to simply lifestyle.

England and the Emergence of Constitutional Monarchy Tutor dynasty ends with Elizabeth in 1603. King James I (formerly King James VI of Scotland) starts the Stuart dynasty. James I alienate members of parliament by claiming divine right to rule and refusing to get rid of the episcopal system of church organization.

Charles I and the Move Toward Revolution 1628 – Parliament passes the Petition of Right, which required parliament’s permission for any taxation. 1629-1640 – Charles II pursued a course of personal rule. Collected ship money to finance his ambitions. Charles II marries Henrietta Maria (Catholic) and parliament fears catholic monarchy. Long Parliament (1640-1660) severely limits royal authority.

Civil War in England Parliament ended the first phase of Civil War by capturing King Charles I in 1646. Forces of parliament split between Presbyterian majority and radical Independents. Cromwell captures Charles I again and he is beheaded for being a “tyrant, traitor, and murderer” (1649)

Cromwell and New Governments England was proclaimed to be a republic from 1649-1653. Oliver Cromwell relied on military force to rule England. Faced opposition from Ireland, Scotland and at home with the Levellers. 1655 – Cromwell dissovled parliament After Cromwell’s death, England decided to restore the Stuart monarchy.

Restoration of the Monarchy Charles II returned to England after 11 years of exile. 1672 – Charles II issued the Declaration of Indulgence (suspended laws against Catholics and Puritans) 1673 – Parliament passed the Test Act allowing only Anglicans to hold military and civil offices.

A Glorious Revolution James II (brother of Charles II) takes the throne as an proud Catholic causing an immediate constitutional crisis. Seven prominent English noblemen invited William of Orange (husband of James’ daughter, Mary) to invade England. Bill of Rights (1689) – parliament’s right to make laws, levy taxes, consent for standing armies. Also included the rights of citizens to petition the sovereign, keep arms, have a jury trial and not be subject to excessive bail.

Responses to the Revolution Hobbes v. Locke -Hobbes (1588-1679): Pesamistic view on society, supported a sovereign authority with absolute and unlimited power. (Leviathan – 1651) -Locke (1632-1704): believed humans lived in a state of equality and freedom. Inalienable natural rights of life, liberty and property. (Two Treatises of Government)