Booklet 2 - The Irish Rebellion 1641

Question 1

Explain the beginning of the Irish Rebellion

Answer 1

• 1641
• MPs heard rumours of a rising among Irish Catholics and attacks on protestant settlers in Ireland
• Rumours developed into tales os massacre with 200,000 deaths and that an Irish army was in northwest England
• Puritan propaganda created more anger towards the Irish and Catholics

Question 2

How did parliament react to the rebellion?

Answer 2

• With Charles I in Scotland, parliament decided an army should be raised to defeat the rebellion
• Some MPs were scared that Charles would use the army against parliament, so Pym demanded that parliament should approve the King’s choice of commander, giving parliament control of the army

Question 3

What did Pym do?

Answer 3

• Sent the King the Grand Remonstrance in november 1641 which was a document asserting the 10 propasitions
• Grand Remonstrance divided parliament
• When the militia bill was introduced where parliament could control the army, moderate MPs went to the side of Charles
• 1642 - Rumours reached the king that Pym was planning to impeach the Queen

Question 4

What did Charles do in response to rumours about Pym?

Answer 4

• Charles ordered the impeachment of Pym and 4 other opposition leaders, including Hampden, backed by 300 armed soldiers
• Charles realised that the 5 members had been warned and the King abandoned London for the safety of his family
• Parliament issued the 19 propositions for a negotiated settlement, including that they should oversee the education of the king’s children which was seen as stating their case and rallying support
• The king and parliament also raised forces to protect themselves and the King then finally declared war in August 1642