Revolution in England and America

Introduction The road to Democracy has been a long one. In this section we will look at what Democracy is as well as how it developed. Our focus is on Democracy in England and America. In England absolutism created many conflicts that needed a solution, this ended in war and revolution. Revolution in America had a great impact on the spread of democratic ideals.

What is Democracy? Write a definition in your text. A government based on the consent of the governed. Each citizen has a voice in the government, by his or her vote and by his or her right to run for office. Democracy is based on majority rule. In a direct democracy all citizens may participate directly in government. In a representative democracy, elected officials act on behalf of the voters. How did your definition compare?

Democracy  In a democracy people need to be able to vote. The process of voting is useless unless people are informed and able to vote freely.  People must have freedom of speech to become informed. They need freedom of press, religious liberty, and freedom of assembly.  These freedoms enable people to explore all areas and discuss different points of view.

Democracy Continued…  A democracy must have laws to ensure that all people have rights. This includes people who have been accused of a crime, that they receive fair and quick trials and freedom from cruel and unusual punishments.  Democracy is based on government that is decided by the people. In a democracy people have more rights than in other forms of government but also the responsibility not to abuse them.

Switzerland and Holland  In 1291 Swiss cantons (districts) of the Holy Roman Empire broke away and set up governments of their own. In the middle of the 14 th century they were joined by more districts and created the country of Switzerland.  These cantons elected a common body to act as a central government.  Switzerland was the first country in Europe to take this step towards democracy.

William the Silent ( )  Led the Dutch in fighting the Spanish in  Fought for the Dutch Republic (United Provinces).  He recognized the independence of the Dutch Republic as well as Switzerland.  Was killed by an assassin in 1584.

Change of England

Henry VII  Became the king of England after a long period of war. He hoped that he could bring peace to England.  Favoured the middle class and worked closely with parliament.  A strong central government was set up by advisers appointed by the king.

James I  Was not liked by the people of England because he was a Scot.  James struggled with his rule of England and made many mistakes.  One of his biggest mistakes was to do with religion. He did not support the Roman Catholic religion. Instead he gave most of his support to the Anglican Church. This did not satisfy many of the people in England.  Parliament was unwilling to give James any financial control because of the irritation he caused. Since he was not able to invest money in area where he saw fit, unemployment increases and the financial situation on England got worse.

Charles I  Money problems, religious problems, and foreign problems brought about a clash between monarch and parliament.  Parliament refused to give money to Charles.  Charles had to agree to certain rules in order to get the finances he needed. (Petition of Rights) 1. Could not make arrests without giving reasons for the arrests. 2. Soldiers could not be housed in peoples homes if they did not want them.  People began to leave England because Charles wanted they to worship God the way he did.

Civil War  Charles I was determined to rule by absolutes force.  He was forced to create a new parliament to get the necessary funds to fight invading Scotland.  Parliament passed laws to limit the power of the monarch.  The members of Parliament were out to break the absolute powers of the monarch. Charles’ use of force was met by force and this started a civil war.

Cavaliers vs Roundheads  Cavaliers supported the King - they were made up of aristocrats, Catholics, Anglicans, and land holders  Roundheads supported Parliament - made up of merchants and Puritans The Roundheads Won!

The Stuarts Return  After a dictator ruling by a military leader named Oliver Cromwell, the people we dissatisfied with his rule and demanded the return of the Stuarts.  The term used to describe the return of Charles II to the throne is called Restoration.

Revolution in England

The Test Act  Only Anglicans could take part in government.  This act was a step backwards for democracy.  It was an act of religious intolerance.

Habeas Corpus Act (1679)  This act assured that the people would receive a speedy and fair trial.  It prevented persecution of an individual without evidence of a crime.  This act was the first to give rights and freedoms to every person under the rule of the monarchy.

The Glorious Revolution  Parliament did not want another catholic to become ruler of England.  They invited William the III of Holland and his wife Mary Stuart to become King and Queen of England.  James the II fled to France and William took power without a fight. This was know as the Glorious Revolution.

Results of the Glorious Revolution  The glorious revolution was a limited monarchy in England. This meant that before William and Mary could take power they had to agree to do certain things.  The Bill of Rights was the system that made the laws in England.  The people were given the right to petition which meant they could ask the monarch to correct abuses.  People were guaranteed to fair and speedy trials. A standing army at peacetime was considered illegal.

Acts of the Revolution  Tolerance Act – Gave Puritans the right to have their own churches.  Act of Settlement – Only those of protestant faith could rule England.  Act of Union – United England and Scotland to form one nation, Great Britain.

Undemocratic Features Remain  Democracy was not achieved all at once.  Only owners of large amounts of land were allowed to vote.  Parliament was not truly democratic because it was made up of wealthy people and aristocrats.  There was a lot of political corruption, because a secret ballot was not yet established.  This inspired the people in America, they wanted the same treatment.