Chapter 5- English Revolution Flashcards
What were the main causes of the English revolution?
- Charles I believed that kings derived their authority for God (Divine right of Kings), so his actions should not be justified by parliament.
- The king had favourites, such as the Duke of Buckingham.
- Charles ruled without Parliament from 1629.
- The king taxed everybody with Ship tax in 1637.
- Charles married a French catholic, Henrietta Maria.
- Puritans wrote critically and were punished by the Star Chamber.
- The Scots defeated Charles’ army, then invaded England.
- A new prayer book in 1637 upset the Scots so much they gathered an army.
Which two groups were part of the Civil War?
-Cavaliers:
- Wealthy landowners who did not want to lose their wealth.
-Mainly based in Northern Ireland.
-Those who were worried about the growing influence of Parliament.
-Roundheads:
-Also known as the Parliamentarians
-They were supported by the middle-class and peasant workers.
-Mainly based in Southern England and London.
-Merchants who were not happy about the King’s taxes.
-Those who did not support Charles’ religious and political reforms.
Who were the New Model army?
-Cromwell recruited men based on their ability rather than their privilege.
-The army was disciplined and lived by a strict religious and moral code.
-The men were not allowed to drink and swear.
What was the outcome of the First Civil War?
- End of the king’s last great army.
- The New Model Army went on to capture Bristol and Oxford.
What happened in the Second Civil War?
-1647, Charles surrendered to the Scottish army, which later handed him over to the New Model Army to go on trial for treason.
-Whilst negotiating with Parliament, Charles encouraged a Scottish army to invade England and make the English Church presbyterian.
-1648: Battle of Preston, Scots fought the New Model Army, Scots were defeated and Charles confirmed that he could not be trusted.
-This was used against him in his trial.
What happened during the trial of Charles I?
-January 1649, charged with treason and sentenced to death.
-Three days later, King was sentenced to death, and Charles had to wait for hours until they had found an executioner who was willing to kill him.
-Moreover, they needed to pass a law that stopped a new monarch being installed on the King’s death.
-After Charles I’s execution, Cromwell became the leader of the Commonwealth (a Commonwealth is a term for a political community founded for the common good).
What was the impact on the Commonwealth of the English Revolution and Charles’ execution?
-English society changed to become more equal and ordered because of Puritanism.
-The Levellers were a politically radical group who spread the idea of votes for all men and a more equal society.
-The Diggers were similar to the Levellers but they campaigned for land reform.
What was the impact on the Commonwealth of the English Revolution and Charles’ execution in terms of religion?
-Cromwell was a Puritan, wanted society to reflect his beliefs.
-Jews, who had been banished from England in 1290, were invited back into Britain.
-Religious radicalism developed.
What was the impact on the Commonwealth of the English Revolution and Charles’ execution in terms of the economy?
-The Navigation Act of 1561 stated that only English ships could arrive at or leave England.
-The system of taxation was reorganised to make it more efficient for everyone.
What was the impact on the Commonwealth of the English Revolution and Charles’ execution in terms of politics?
-Cromwell won wars against the Spanish and Dutch, restoring England’s reputation abroad.
-He appointed Major Generals to the 11 districts he created - they kept strict control over everyone.
