English Revolutions

Rule in England The mid-late 17 th Century was a very unstable time for the English monarchy. Power changed hands several times.

Charles I Problems began when Charles I wanted to govern England without the help of Parliament. – He believed in ‘Divine Right’, that monarchs had been chosen by God so did not need the permission of Parliament to rule, and Absolute Monarchy. Charles did not call Parliament for 11 years.

Political Opposition There was much political opposition to this (particularly from the bourgeoisie and popular groups). This lead to the English Civil War in 1642.

The Civil War, 1642 This war was between the Parliamentarians (Roundheads – who defended Parliament) and the Royalists (Cavaliers – who defended the King)

The First English Revolution, 1649 In 1649, Charles I and the Royalist were defeated. Charles I was trialed, sentenced and executed. England was then declared a ‘Republic’.

The Commonwealth, Oliver Cromwell ruled for 11 years as ‘Lord Protector’. He banned many things such as Christmas because they were thought to be sinful.

The Restoration, 1660 and Charles II Oliver Cromwell’s son took over in 1660 when he died but his son was not a strong leader. Charles II was brought back to rule. This was called the Restoration of the Monarchy. Charles was more relaxed as a leader and had many mistresses. atch?v=vWPbnWMpMiA atch?v=vWPbnWMpMiA

James II When Charles II died, his brother James II became King. He believed in Absolutism too and was not popular with his subjects.

The Glorious Revolution, 1688 In 1688, the English subjects invited James’ daughter, Mary, and her Dutch husband, William of Orange, to take the crown. This was called the Second English Revolution or ‘The Glorious Revolution’.

Parliamentary Monarchy In 1689, Mary and William were appointed joint monarch by the Declaration (Bill) of Rights. This led to a Parliamentary Monarchy (where Parliament ruled).

Questions How many years went by without Parliament being called? In what year was the Civil War? Why did it happen? Who fought in it? Who ruled the Commonwealth? What was his title? What were the differences between Oliver Cromwell and Charles II? Why did the English subjects invite Mary and William of Orange to England? What was the name of the Second English Revolution?