1. The Civil War & The Commonwealth
Study Questions
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2. In what way can Charles I be called an absolute king?
Charles I followed a policy of open disregard for Parliament and opposition to all forms of religious dissent.
What are the Short and Long Parliaments?
The Short parliament was called by Charles I in April 1640 as a consequence of the foreign and domestic difficulties he was meeting (in particular, he needed money to finance an army and smash a rebellion in Scotland). The Parliament, which was the only body that could establish new taxes, refused to impose new taxes so it was dissolved by the king after only three weeks.
Very soon, however, the king’s financial difficulties, obliged him to call a new parliament, known as the Long Parliament because it lasted twenty years. This parliament asked the king to accept radical reforms. In particular, they demanded that the ministers should be responsible to Parliament. This revolutionary measure made civil war inevitable.
What interests did the House of Commons represent?
It represented the interests of the merchant and the landed gentry (land-owners).

3. Why was the Puritan mentality well suited to the mercantile classes?
Because the merchants based their lifestyle on hard work and success in business , beliefs which were rooted in the Puritan creed of austerity , predestination and individualism.
What led to the Civil War?
The king’s refusal to accepts Parliament’s proposals.
How were the opposite forces constituted?
There were the Royalists or Cavaliers on one side and the Parliamentarians or Roundheads on the other side.
What was the Commonwealth? What social restrictions went along with it?
It was a Parliamentary republic ( ), at first under the House of Commons and, after 1653, directly ruled by Oliver Cromwell. The theatres were closed in 1642 because of their supposed immorality.