8. Political divisions: PR and the short parliament 1629 - 40 Flashcards
Causes of Scottish revolution
Charles had cut himself off from Scottish opinion, ignoring growing discontent and instituting unpopular reforms through prerogative, and radicalising the puritan population.
Scottish revolution and the Covenanters
In July 37, bishops began to arm themselves after the prayer book read and nobles began to control and spread riots in edinburgh. Charles would not compromise, radicalising moderates. The National Covenant signed by Presbyterian radicals such as Archibald Johnston and was a manifesto uniting against Laudianism and promoting Presbyterianism as primary religion.
Bishops wars
Scots allowed to call a national assembly in sept 38 in Glasgow to give time to prepare an army. In nov, they called for an abolishment of canon laws and episcopacy. Charles had 15,000 trained bands by April 39, insufficient. Charles negotiated the Truce of Berwick in June to disband both armies, but the Covenanters refused, leading to Charles recalling Thomas Wentworth in September. Scots entered Newcastle in August 1640.
Treaty of Ripon
October 1640 - Pay for Scots army in Newcastle, in return, Charles isn’t invaded.
Opposition in Ireland
Ireland split into protestant English, Presbyterian Scots, Catholic English, Catholic Irish. English control on coast and dublin, Catholic control elsewhere. In 1632, Thomas Wentworth appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland who enhanced crown authority over Ireland and increasing profits. Did this by playing off minority groups against each other.
Irish Rebellion
October 1641 - After Wentworth left, grievances rose again. Catholics felt they had to act due to Presbyterian Scots allying with English Puritans, and that without Wentworth harsher impositions would follow. 3000 murdered in Ulster.
Opposition in England
Opposition only rose up after Scottish rebellion, Morrill argues the Scottish and Irish rebellions caused a “Billiard Ball Effect” in England. Nobles such as William Fiennes began to openly oppose ship money in 37. Open opposition generally just a Puritan thing, with the most happening being emigration to the new world.
Hampden Case
1637 - Gentry member John Hampden was taken to court for not paying ship money in November 1637, hoping to make a point. However, with a ruling of 7 to 5, it was a politically costly victory.
Short Parliament
13 April - 5th may 1640 - recalled due to a need for money, declared ship money illegal in a hope to gain support. Parliament would not vote him subsidies. Pym and Fiennes were in league with Scottish Covenanters and wanted Charles to make concessions. Charles would not give concessions and dissolved parliament. Fiennes was arrested.
Charles made mistakes over finance leading to a backlash over abuse of his prerogative rights as seen by: (3)
1) 1627 Forced Loan (prerogative income – (normally money for status)(although more than £250,000 raised) – 87 prominent gentlemen imprisoned for not paying (not charged – illegal bc of habeas corpus since magna carta) – 5 Knights case became focus of opp. to C’s arbitrary use of powers
2) Decline of ship money – only 20% of expected amount was collected in 1639 – gentry simply refused to collect it after 1638 bc of the John Hampden Case 1637 – wealthy land owner refuses to pay Ship money, taken to court + 5/7 judges (appointed by C) in favour of Hampden = moral victory, proved that C was in the wrong (judges just had to rule overall so didn’t get fired)
3) See three acts of 1641 summer (BoP)
Charles used his powers under PR 1629-1640 to reform the government, which led to concerns such as: (4)
1) Fears of absolutism – exploiting his prerogative – no forum in which grievances could be aired
2) Book of Orders 1631 – targets the wealthiest people stopping their corruption – disrespectful
3) Forest fines (medieval feudal duty) – tax on forest land – only owned by gentry and nobles - high political costs
4) Star Chamber used to punish anyone who didn’t pay
Charles’ ability to use government reform to make the collection of money more effective and raise revenues successfully meant that he was very successful with his financial policy between 1629-1637 as seen by: (3)
1) Book of Orders 1631 – centralised government – Privy council was able to monitor JPs (bc they wanted to gain power) which was important because:
- Stopped corruption in tax collection
- Could raise new taxes e.g. forest fines
- Total income from fiscal feudalism (‘through’ financial policies) was up from £600,000 to £900,000 – increased by a 1/3rd
2) Effectiveness of ship money – targets everyone (used when it’s not supposed to e.g. not just coastal counties) – raised just under £200,000 in 1635+36
3) Nearly fully financially independent – didn’t need to call Pment bc of success of ‘thorough’ policies – the crown had control of every locality in England within five years – no corruption hidden
