23 - the trial and execution of the king Flashcards
reason for the kings trial
the army and some Mps believed that charles was responsible for the bloodshed in the kindgdom since 1642.
the general council of the army decided that he would be put on public trial
however some mps believed it was still possible to reach a settlement
prides purge
6 december 1649-
turned away members who favoured nogotiations with the king, mainly presbyterians - leaving behind the rump parliament
how did parliament secure the authority to try the king
they stated they now had the ‘supreme power in this nation’ - without needing the king or house of lords
the actions of the trial
was essentially a show trial, guilt was assumed from the begining. this had been evident at the outbreak of the second civil wr in may 1648 where the army had declared iys inetntion to call to court - ‘charles stuart - the man of blood’
charles’ demeanour in the trial
conducted himself relatively well, refused to accept the court but did ask his accusers on what legal authority he was brought before them - which they had no answer
he had the legal high ground
outcome of the trial
depsite his legal highground - his fate was sealed and he was found guilty and condemed to beheading.
he was executed on 30th january 1649
cromwells involvement in charles’ trial
stated that the kings execution was ‘legal and just’
attended 2/3 trial sessions and signed charles’ death warrant
reaction by the majority over the death of charles
many couldnt believe the sacrilage that teh execution representeted.
even those who blamed charles couldnt support his murder
opinion of those who signed his warrant
they had forfilled their duty
political climate after charles’ execution
the natural option would be to abolish the monarchy and the lords to create a commonwelath
this occured in march, after much debate
