1.4.2 Core ideas - Liberalism

Question 1

How did Feudalism decline?

Answer 1

17th-18th cent. Gradually peasants became richer and could buy land or become merchants to gain considerable wealth. “Middle Class” formed. They had economic power but no political power.

Question 2

What effect did the decline of Feudalism have?

Answer 2

The gain of economic wealth meant they were influential and so wanted Political Power to solidify that, going against the set class system.

Question 3

Why did the English Civil War (1642-49) occur?

Answer 3

King Charles refused to call Parliament, MPs met without him. Tried to arrest 5 MPs but failed, then lost the war.

Question 4

What was the US equivalent?

Answer 4

1776-1783 US War of Independence - where King George III imposed extreme taxes on citizens but didn’t give them Political Representation. Colonists: “no taxation without representation”