Charles' Character, Court and Favourites (S1.1/2) Flashcards
How were relations between monarch and Parliament at the time of James’ death, and Charles’ ascension?
- Relatively getting better
> ‘Happy Parliament’ of 1624 could suggest continued cooperation as an expectation; however, country was plunged into political chaos instead
What is structure and agency, and how do they clash?
Structure were the existing structural issues of the Stuart period; broad, deep-seated historical issues, dating to before the Stuart period.
Agency was individual actions; constrained by historical circumstance, but still the actions, decisions and policy undertaken by whoever the monarch was.
Who did Charles marry in 1625, and what was the problem with it?
Married Henrietta Maria, the sister of French King Louis XIII
> This was a problem as the threat of Catholicism in England was still widespread, following James’ lenient laws; this caused fears that Charles’ would attempt to bring back Catholicism, only exacerbated by later events.
What was Charles’ like, compared to his father James?
James was informal, extravagant, open, warm and affectionate; had both positives and negatives; charming
Charles was formal, inflexible, cold, withdrawn, and shifty; rigid, lacking of affection; distant relationship with advisors; insecure
What was the problem with Charles’ personality?
Charles was shy, a bad speaker, unapproachable and uncommunicative with Parliament
> Intentions and actions often went unexplained
> Inferiority complex with made him overstress his prerogative
> Completely uncompromising; often adopted extreme positions
What were the main reasons for a breakdown in relationship between Parliament and the Crown?
- Charles’ personality
- Religion
- Foreign policy
- Finance
- Influence of Buckingham
- Rise of a more authoritative Parliament
What were Charles’ strengths?
- Intelligent and reflective nature; mind was better than body
- Blissful marriage post-Buckingham
- Highly respected by those close to him
What was Charles’ view on the monarchy?
- Sought to defend his prerogative, but did so provocatively
> Unwilling to negotiate or compromise
> Undermined his authority
What was Charles’ court like?
- Imposed a strict order; included only his supporters
> Offered those outside of it no point in the political world
> Court was dominated by Catholics and Arminians, sparking fears
Who was the main favourite of Charles’ early years?
Duke of Buckingham
What role did Buckingham have under Charles?
- Allowed a dominant role in the management of royal patronage, as well as foreign policy; his pre-eminence (superiority) led to conflict within the court, disrupting Parliaments from 1621 to 1628.
