The Monarchy Loses its Grip Absolutism: England The Monarchy Loses its Grip

I. Monarchs vs. Parliament James I (Stuart): “I will not be content that my power be disputed upon.” dissolved Parliament, collected taxes on his own, against the Puritans Charles I: imprisoned foes w/o charges or trials, signed Petition of Right but ignored it (King couldn’t raise taxes w/o Parliament) Ruled w/o Parliament for 11 years but needed their help to raise $ to put down rebellion Long Parliament: didn’t disband, tried the King’s chief ministers & executed them

Charles I of England

II. English Civil War Charles I sent troops to arrest radicals Parliament responded and built its own army Cavaliers vs. Roundheads Charles II fights back

Roundheads led by Oliver Cromwell, organized the New Model Army Defeated the Cavaliers and captured King Charles I Set up a court, trial and executed him as “a tyrant, traitor, murderer, and public enemy” Sent shock waves through Europe, no ruler in England could claim absolute power

Cromwell died and people were tired of strict laws and military rule monarchy abolished; Commonwealth established based on Puritan principles Rule of saints, closed theatres, taverns, gambling, no dancing, must attend church on Sunday, Did expand education Cromwell died and people were tired of strict laws and military rule Puritan Justice Oliver Cromwell

III. Restoration & Glorious Revolution Charles II was welcomed back & adored, opened taverns etc., accepted the Petition of Right James II flaunted Catholic faith, battled with Parliament Parliament asked William & Mary to take over, James II fled (Glorious Revolution) Had to accept English Bill of Rights, habeas corpus, Toleration Act, trial by jury, Commons had power of the purse Britain is a Constitutional or Limited Monarchy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_of_Rights_1689