The English Turn Left England in the Age of Absolutism

England: The Anti Absolutist State England was always different in terms of the relationship the monarch had with the people – Nobles force King John to sign the Magna Carta (Great Charter) King could not impose taxes without prior approval of the nobility. All English subjects had the right to appear before a judge to defend themselves to their peers. Tudors and Stuarts tried to get around these restrictions with limited success. Henry and Elizabeth could not impose their wills but respond to the power of the nobles and Parliament.

Tools of the State Until the end of the Renaissance nations did not have a permanent army (standing army). Starting in the early 17 th century nations like France, Spain, and Austria raised armies and kept them ready to fight. In England, this power was contested between the monarchy and the nobles (House of Commons). One of the conditions of the Restoration of 1660 was that Charles II was allowed to keep a body guard. England finally had a standing army. (c.3,000)

James II Came to the throne in 1685 following the death of his brother Charles II Charles managed to balance his power aspirations with the pressures of Protestant nobles James unraveled all of that. He was confrontational and an unrepentant Catholic. He tried to dismantle all discriminatory anti-catholic laws and pad the military with RC officers. His behavior initially divided the nobles. Tories: Believed that the monarchy should have power of Parliament. Whigs: Believed that interests of the people should be balanced over the powers of the monarchy.

From Plaid to Orange By 1688, the two sides argued over who should be vested with more power. In that year James’ wife delivered a baby boy. The Stuarts appeared to be around for another generation. The flashpoint was James’ efforts to appoint RCs to his council and to the army. The nobles began to secret negotiate with James’ sister and her husband to “invade”. In 1688, William and Mary landed at Torbay and marched on London. Rather than share the fate of his father – flees.

Bill of Rights One of the conditions for William to be allowed on the throne was the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights entrenched the power of Parliament. It could not be disbanded at the behest of the monarch. The monarch had to get approval from Parliament for money for troops. Monarch could not declare war arbitrarily. The first minister was to lead a group of administrators made up of members of the House of Commons This group (cabinet) and the minister (P.M.) would represent the wishes of the monarch in the House of Commons.

The Trouble with the English William wanted to the throne so that he could get $$$$$$ to support his wars in Europe. The merchants disagreed William backed down In 1713 the last of the Stuarts died (Anne) and the British had a choice Invite James II son back Offer the crown to a Protestant relative They opt to offer it to the Hanover branch of the Stuarts.

The Hanovarians was related to James I and were keen to accept the throne. They wanted $$$$$ to help fight wars in Europe. The merchants disagreed George I chaffed under the constant questioning of his actions By the late 1700s the Hanovarians had learned to grudgingly accept control by Parliament  Constitutional Monarchy was here to stay