1. From absolutism to republicanism The “Ism” Review

2. Monarchy – king or queen Consider themselves God’s representative Full control of the state – economy, finance, law, international relations (wars) etc. Subject to the personality of the monarchy (crazy – Louis XIV or imaginative – Elizabeth I). Could be good or really bad. No say for ordinary people; little say for nobles.

3. Voice of the people England had a parliament (corrupt) which met regularly. Henry VIII sought parliament’s support when he broke from the Catholic church. It passed the Act of Supremacy – made him head of the Church of England. To get more income, Henry turned to parliament to raise taxes.

4. Parliamentary power Parliament supported Henry’s requests for money. Parliament enjoyed its role. This became critical over the next 50-100 yrs.

5. Enter Elizabeth I She continued the tradition of consulting parliament. She died childless in 1603: heir was James VI of Scotland. He was then crowned James I of England. James was also an absolute monarch but less skilled than Elizabeth.

6. Charles I becomes king James’ son, Charles, became king in 1625. He too behaved like an absolute monarch. He turned to parliament to raise taxes. Parliament said no – unless you sign this agreement. He signed, but then dissolved parliament. No parliament for 11 years.

7. Struggle for power Charles I developed lots of enemies by his position on religion. A rebellion in Scotland made him turn to parliament for funds – 1640. Parliament then revolted against Charles I. A civil war broke out – parliament v. monarchy. 1642-1651

8. Cavaliers = supporters of the king: Roundheads = supporters of parliament

9. Oliver Cromwell Leader of the Roundheads – skilled general who formed the New Model Army.

10. 1647 – Cavaliers are defeated Charles I is captured after the defeat of his army. Parliament tried Charles I and condemned him to death as a “tyrant, traitor, murderer and public enemy.” He was beheaded in 1649.

11. Execution shocked Europe’s monarchies First time a king had ever been executed. Established the power of parliament over the monarchy. England declares itself a republic – a Commonwealth. Parliament abolished the House of Lords. Oliver Cromwell appointed protector.

12. Unrest continues Charles’ son (also Charles) campaigns to win back power. Cromwell becomes a dictator. Cromwell crushes dissent in Ireland. Little tolerance for Catholics. Puritans (protestants) press for more religious recognition, including reserving Sundays for church.

13. End of an era Cromwell died in 1658. 1660, parliament invites Charles II to take the throne. This is known as the restoration. England’s 10 year experiment as a republic ended with the crowning of Charles II.

14. 1658 – James II/VII When Charles II died, his brother James assumed the throne. Less able ruler and openly Catholic. Parliament feared he would restore the catholic faith. Parliament turned to James’ daughter, Mary, and her Dutch husband, William, to take the throne.

15. The glorious revolution William & Mary – both protestant – arrived in England with an army. James fled to France to seek refuge. Parliament asserted its power by passing a Bill of Rights prior to the crowing of Mary and William. It gave parliament alone the power over spending; provided legal guarantees for people (no excessive fines, no imprisonment without charge) etc.

16. Why this is important The laws created by parliament limited the power of monarchs. Established that parliament (an elected body) had the final power over a nation. Helped promote additional ideas on democracy & individual rights. Parliament is still controlled by nobles and the wealthy.