Causes of the English Civil War
- Created by: SGriffin49
- Created on: 25-06-21 13:27
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- Causes of the English Civil War
- Religion
- Charles married a French Roman Catholic Henrietta Maria. This was seen as controversial as England was a Protestant country.
- William Laud, one of Charles I top advisers, introduced unpopular church reforms which made him a suspected Roman Catholic.
- In 1637, Charles tried to introduce a new prayer book in Scotland which caused outrage.
- Most members of Parliament were Puritan and disapproved of Charles' Catholic connections.
- Power
- Charles, like his father James I, strongly believed in the Divine Right of Kings which made him seem arrogant.
- The Divine Right of Kings was a belief that God had chosen the monarch to rule for him and no one could question this choice.
- Charles ruled without Parliament for 11 years (known as his Personal Rule). These years have been called the 11 years of tyranny.
- Charles used the private court of the Star Chamber to punish any opponents. He also fined people when he was low on money.
- In 1642, Charles tried to arrest 5 members of Parliament (The 5 Member Coup) including Oliver Cromwell on a charge of treason but failed.
- Parliament wanted more power but Charles did not support this. Parliament were concerned he would try to become an absolute monarch.
- Charles, like his father James I, strongly believed in the Divine Right of Kings which made him seem arrogant.
- Money
- Charles was renowned for his extravagant and expensive lifestyle
- In 1635, he extended Ship Money which usually only applied to coastal towns in times of war, to cover the whole of England.
- He fought 2 unsuccessful wars with France and Spain.
- Charles was constantly asking Parliament for more money when he ran out. After the Scottish rebellion in 1640 he asked for money for another war.
- Illegal and ancient methods of taxation were introduced which meant people were paying a lot more tax.
- A Divided Country
- Cavaliers
- Also known as the Royalists, were supported by most of the gentry.
- Often from the northern and western regions. Had better horsemen,
- Generally conservative Protestant or Catholic.
- Mostly led by Charles' nephew Prince Rupert.
- Roundheads
- Also known as the Parliamentari-ans
- Mainly merchants and traders.
- Generally from London and the South East. In control of London and the navy which increased their power.
- Eventually led by Oliver Cromwell.
- Cavaliers
- Religion
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