Chapter 2 - James I And Charles I: Character, Court And Favourites

Question 1

What was James’ nature as a ruler?

Answer 1

He was very good at leadership, had good communication skills and was pragmatic.

Question 2

What were the dates of James’ reign?

Answer 2

1603 - 1625

Question 3

What were the dates of Charles’ reign?

Answer 3

1625 - 1649

Question 4

Describe James I’s spending

Answer 4

Displayed financial extravagance

- eg. Bought a Looking glass (1604) = covered in diamonds and precious stones

Question 5

Why was there conflict in James I’s court?

2 points

Answer 5

• Dominance of Scots of Bedchamber (more personal contact w/ king meant more influence)
• first English man appointed to bedchamber = George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham (King had a dangerous dependance on Buckingham)

Question 6

How did James I run his court?

5 points

Answer 6

• ran an effective government (political and religious stability)
• good judgement
• didn’t mess with all problems (could live with untidiness)
• good at leadership
• well liked

Question 7

How did Charles I differ from James as a leader?

8 points - just name a couple

Answer 7

> shy
> speech-defect 
> uncommunicative
> inferiority complex
> insecure
> couldn’t take criticism
> defensive of prerogative
> lacked self-confidence

Question 8

What name did James give himself as king?

Answer 8

Rex Pacificus (‘king of peace’)

Question 9

How did Charles I view his court?

Answer 9

A microcosm of the state = showed what could be achieved in the country

Question 10

Who dominated Charles I’s court and why was this an issue?

Answer 10

Catholics and Arminians
> country was Calvinist and Catholicism was hated (strongly linked with absolutism in France and Spain)
> caused unrest in PN

Question 11

What was the biggest issue with Charles I’s court?

Answer 11

> Charles imposed a strict order and only included his supporters in court = made it seem isolated from rest of the country (outside had no point of contact with political process)

Question 12

What was the main form of entertainment in Charles I’s court?
Who opposed this?

Answer 12

Court Masques - elaborately costumed and involved dancing
(Supposed to reflect the order the king was bringing to the country)
> opposed by Puritans

Question 13

Who was a key favourite of both James and Charles?

Answer 13

George Villiers / Duke of Buckingham