The English revolution: how did we get there?

background Elizabeth I dies in 1603, which ends the Tudor dynasty Stuart line takes over with James IV of Scotland Becomes King James I of England His grandmother was Mary of Guise…

background – James i Believed in the divine right of kings England: parliament and king govern as “balanced polity” Supported the Anglican model of church organization Upset Puritans who wanted a Presbyterian model Based on a Calvinist structure

Beginnings – Charles I Wished to become an absolute monarch Viewed as a Catholic sympathizer Because of this and his fathers relationship with the gentry (see Puritans) parliament passes the Petition of Right.

Beginnings – Charles I Petition of Right: Reiterated the right of habeas corpus. Declared no quartering of troops in private homes Civilians could not be subjected to martial law. No taxation without Parliament’s consent Because of this Charles does not call Parliament into session in 11 years (1629-1640) Called “Personal Rule”

What factors contributed to the english civil war?? Religious Charles was seen as wanting to become an absolutist claiming the divine right of kings, just like his father. He was seen as closet Catholic: His father was seen this way His great grandmother was Mary of Guise He married Henrietta Maria – the Catholic sister of Louis XIII He pissed of the Puritans for keeping the Anglican model – the use of the bishop structure He tried to impose the Book of Common Prayer on the Scots He and William Laud (AB of Cant.) introduced more ritual into the Anglican Church (a wee bite popey…) Scots rebel and Charles has to called Parliament into session to collect $$ to fight it.

What factors contributed to the english civil war?? Political Calls Parliament to collect taxes to fight the Scots Called the “Long Parliament” and they are pissed about 11 years of “Personal Rule” They enact a number of restrictions on the king’s power Abolition of arbitrary courts Abolition of taxes collected without Parliaments consent Passed the Triennial Act – Parliament has to be called into session once every three years. Some MPs want to eliminate bishops Charles tries to have them arrested and the civil war is on

What factors contributed to the english civil war?? Economic Taxes come from House of Commons (power of the purse) June 1625: Parliament grants the collection of taxes for one year rather than for a life time Charles collects taxes anyway without Parliaments approval Revives old taxes (during “Personal Rule”) Ship money Implemented the policy of “Thorough” Because of the Scottish rebellion Charles is forced to call Parliament into session – Long Parliament

Oliver Cromwell Leads the military wing of the Parliamentary forces, the New Model Army Mostly radical Puritans who opposed the establishment of a Presbyterian church in England. Captures Charles and beheads him Abolishes the monarchy and House of Lords Proclaims England a republic.

Life under Cromwell After the Victory Division within Puritan ranks begin to escalate Independents control the army Disputes between leaders draw lower classes into the debate . 1647: Parliament tries to disband NMA  Levellers begin to protest Levelers’ demands: Par meets annually Members of Par get paid so as to allow common people to participate All male heads of households could vote. Levelers exclude servants, the propertyless, and women  still seen as threat by rich land owners.

Life under Cromwell After the Victory Cromwell says of the Levelers: “You have no other way to deal with these men but to break them to pieces, or they will break you.” Clement Walker (politician, historian, lawyer) says of the Levelers: “They have cast all the mysteries and secrets of government…before the vulgar (like pearls before swine), and have taught both the soldiery and people to look so far into themselves as to ravel back all governments to the first principles of nature… They have made the people thereby so curious and so arrogant that they will never submit to a civil rule.” -Quoted by Christopher Hill, The World Turned Upside Down, p.72

Life under Cromwell After the Victory Walker claims that the objective of the Levelers was to “preach anti-monarchical seditious doctrine to the people, to raise the rascal multitude and schismatical rabble against all men of best quality in the kingdom, to draw them into associations with one another in every county and with the Army, against all lords, gentry, ministers, lawyers, rich and peaceable men.” -Quoted by Christopher Hill, The World Turned Upside Down, p. 76

Life under Cromwell After the Victory The Levelers sound off: “It will never be a good world while knights and gentlemen make us laws, that are chosen for fear and do [naught] but oppress us, and do not know the people’s sores. It will never be well with us till we have Parliaments of countrymen like ourselves, that know our wants.” -Quoted in Christopher Hill, The World Turned Upside Down, p. 60.

The Development of Political Parties in England Brief Background Monarchy is restored under Charles II Charles II and his brother James (the heir apparent) are thought to be Catholic Charles II eases PA restrictions on Catholics and Puritans with the Declaration of Indulgence In response PA passes the Test Act (1673) Only Anglicans could hold military and civil offices PA tries to pass a bill banning James from the throne.

The Development of Political Parties in England The debate over the bill created two factions in English politics Whigs: Wanted to exclude James and establish a Protestant king with toleration of dissenters Tories: Supported the king, even though he was a Catholic, because they believed PA shouldn’t tamper with succession.

Final question In what ways were actions taken by the English in the 17th century revolutionary, even though they began and ended the time period with a monarch? By deposing a king an establishing another, PA demolished the divine right of kings theory William of Orange was king through grace of PA. Establishment of the English Bill of Rights Idea of the social contract