Causes of the English Civil War Flashcards
What belief did King Charles I hold about his power that caused conflict with Parliament?
He believed in the divine right of kings, meaning his authority came directly from God and he didn’t need Parliament’s approval.
Which King did the English people start a Civil war against?
King Charles I
What was the “Eleven Years’ Tyranny”?
A time when Charles ruled without calling Parliament.
What controversial tax did Charles I impose without Parliament’s consent?
Ship Money
How did Charles I’s frequent wars contribute to the economic problems in England?
His wars, especially with Spain and France, were expensive and required heavy taxation causing resentment from his people.
Who did Charles I marry?
Henrietta Maria of France
Why did many Protestants distrust King Charles I’s wife, Henrietta Maria?
She was Catholic, and many feared she would influence Charles to favor Catholicism.
What religion was Charles I?
Moderate Protestant
Who did Charles appoint as Archbishop of Canterbury?
William Laud
What was the reaction to Archbishop Laud’s religious reforms?
Anger, especially Puritans, saw his reforms as an attempt to bring the Church of England closer to Catholicism (they said the changes were Popish) which caused widespread resentment.
What religious conflict arose from Charles I’s attempt to impose the English Prayer Book on Scotland?
It led to the Bishops’ Wars, as the Scots rebelled against what they saw as an attack on their Presbyterian Church.
What group in Parliament opposed King Charles I’s rule and pushed for more reforms?
The Puritans
What was Charles’ personal court called?
The Star Chamber
Why was the Star Chamber criticised so much?
It was unfair - it broke the Magna Carta and the right to a fair trial as the King punished you alone
What happened to William Prynne in the star chamber?
His cheeks were branded with S+L (seditious libeller) and his ears were chopped off
