Charles I Flashcards
Jan 1625, what happened 30 years war?
An army of around 12,000 led by Mansfield is reduced by starvation and disease to only 3000 men.
When was Charles crowned Charles I of Britain?
March 1625.
Who did Charles marry?
Henrietta Maria.
May 1625
Alarmed parliament
SHE IS CATHOLIC AND FRENCH
Charles I’s first parliament?
June 1625
C1 asks for money to fight the Spanish
Parliament only grants two subsidies and customs duties/tonnage and poundage for a year, rather than the King’s whole life as was tradition
What was Parliament’s response to Charles’ request for funds in June 1625?
They only granted two subsidies and customs duties for one year.
Why did Charles dissolve his first parliament and when?
Aug 1625
Parliament had met in Oxford following an outbreak of the Plague
They criticise Buckingham, and speak of impeachment
CHARLES DISSOLVES PARLIAMENT BECAUSE OF THIS CRITICISM
When was Buckingham’s expedition to Cadiz and why relevant?
Sep 1625
FAILURE
Buckingham had wanted to restore national pride and respect by capturing valuable treasure to demonstrate English strength
ERODED ANY CONFIDENCE IN BUCKINGHAM LEADING TO FURTHER DISTRUST AND DISLIKE FOR HIM
Cause of tension between crown and parliament
Charles’ 2nd parliament, what did it attempt
Feb 1626
Attempts to impeach Buckingham
What action did Charles take in May 1626 to prevent Buckingham’s impeachment?
He dissolved Parliament.
Military conflicts England is involved in in Oct 1627
England was at war with France and Spain.
What was the result of Buckingham’s expedition to the Isle of the Ré in 1627?
It was a humiliating defeat.
Aimed at supporting the Huguenots in La Rochelle and starting the Anglo-French War, ultimately failed and resulted in heavy English losses, including the siege of Saint-Martin-de-Ré and the eventual fall of La Rochelle to the French.
Loss of 4000 out of 7000 troops
CONTRIBUTED TO BUCKINGHAM’S DOWNFALL
What significant legal case occurred in November 1627?
The Five Knights case, where five loan refusers were imprisoned without trial.
What was the Petition of Right and when?
June 1628
Asserted the rights of citizens against the Crown, including no taxation without Parliament’s consent and no imprisonment without cause, among other things.
The petition outlined four main principles:
No taxation without Parliament’s consent.
No imprisonment without cause, reinforcing the right of habeas corpus.
No quartering of soldiers in citizens’ homes.
No martial law in peacetime.
Charles continued to govern in a way that undermined these principles which contributed to Civil War
What event in August 1628 significantly reduced tensions from Parliament’s side?
The assassination of Buckingham.
Meant parliament didn’t have to worry about impeaching him or getting rid of him, and had been a major source of conflict since the start of Charles’ reign.
He was assasinated by a military member.
When did Charles I dissolve Parliament, marking the start of his Personal Rule?
March 1629.
What significant treaty ended the war between England and France in April 1629?
The Treaty of Suza.
What was the Book of Orders and when was it published?
Jan 1631
set of instructions issued by charles to improve jusitice, aid poor relief and address social issues
KEY PART OF PERSONAL RULE
ONE OFTHE GRIEVANCES WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE END OF HIS RULE
When was Charles I crowned in Scotland?
June 1633
What was the Scottish National Assembly’s response to Charles’ new prayer book?
Feb 1638
Scottish National Asssembly issues a covenant abolishing the new prayer book and chanlleging Charles’ rule
Ultimately sparked war with England
What was the outcome of the First Bishops War in June 1639?
It ended with the Treaty of Berwick - included provisions for the Scots to demobilize, free Royalist prisoners, and restore royal property, with Charles I agreeing to withdraw English forces and call a General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
There had been no fighting and only one casualty over the course of the war.
What did the Triennial Act mandate and when was it? CHARLES I
FEB 1641
Parliament must meet every 3 years whether called or not.
Proposed by Pym etc.
Major step towards limiting the power of the monarch.
What was the significance of the Grand Remonstrance and when was it presented?
-Nov 1641
-Was a list of grievances given to Charles by the English Parliament
-List of the King’s abuses of power, his illegal tax increases, his promotion of unpopular religious reforms, his use of unwise advisors, list of demands for reform of Church and state
-PASSED BY 159 TO 148 VOTES
-CHARLES REJECTS THIS AND TRIES TO ARREST THE PRIME MOVERS OF THE BILL
What major event occurred on January 4, 1642?
Charles attempted to arrest five members of Parliament.
He entered the House of Commons and FAILS to arrest them
This was a major blunder
the 5 members had been warned and already escaped, the speaker refused to tell Charles where they had gone
What event marked the beginning of the First Civil War in August 1642?
Charles I raised his standard at Nottingham.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Edgehill in October 1642?
It was indecisive and ended in a draw.
What significant victory did Parliament achieve in July 1644?
The Battle of Marston Moor.
What/when Battle of Naseby
June 1645
Was a decisive parliamentary victory, huge show of strength of NMA
Was a military and political disaster for the King
TURNING POINT IN THE WAR AND ALSO FOR THE STUART TIMELINE
Army was led by Cromwell and Fairfax
What were the Propositions of Newcastle in July 1646?
A set of demands made by Parliament to Charles concerning church governance and military control.
Wanted: the accepting of the covenant, establishment of a Prebyterian form of Church government, parliament to be given control of the army and the turning over of key royalists for punishment.
CHARLES INITIALLY ENGAGED IN DISCUSSIONS WITH PARLIEMNT BUT HE EVENTUALLY REFUSED TO ACCEPT THE CONDITIONS.
When was the King kidnapped, by who, significance
June 1647
He waas seized by a low ranking army officer - Joyce
Did in response to a rumour that the presbyterian faction was planning to take him to London, didnt want them to send Charles to Scotland where he could bring an army
JOYCE TOOK HIM TO NEWMARKET
Weakened parliament’s position and strengthened the armies.
What was the Heads of Proposals presented to the King in August 1647?
A settlement proposal advocating for a division of power and religious tolerance.
What significant document did the Levellers issue in October 1647?
The ‘Agreement of the People’.
What was the purpose of the constitution mentioned in the text?
To limit the power of the government and establish democratic reform
It called for equal representation in parliament and religious freedom.
What were the Putney Debates?
Discussions about the political settlement after the first civil war between officers of the NMA and leveller citizens
Occurred in October-November.
What significant event occurred in December regarding King Charles?
King escapes, ending the Putney debates
He signed the Engagement with the Scots, promising to establish Presbyterianism in England.
What does ‘no further addresses’ refer to?
The Parliament’s decision to break off negotiations with Charles in January 1648
It marked the end of negotiations.
What event initiated the second civil war?
The start of the second civil war in February 1648
This was followed by Royalist risings in various regions.
What was the Windsor Prayer Meeting?
A three-day meeting of the NMA to discuss the army’s actions and belief that the King was God’s enemy
It took place in April 1648.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Preston?
Cromwell achieved a decisive victory, weakening the royalist cause
This battle occurred on August 17th.
What was Pride’s Purge?
A military coup aimed at the Long Parliament to eliminate members willing to negotiate with the King
Resulted in the formation of the Rump Parliament with only 200 members.
What does the term ‘Rump Parliament’ refer to?
The Parliament left after Pride’s Purge, consisting of more radical members
It justified the execution of the king by claiming to represent the people.
What was the significance of the army’s control after Pride’s Purge?
It demonstrated the army’s influence and power over Parliament
The army demanded indemnity and arrears of pay, while Parliament wanted disbandment.
What was established on January 1, 1649?
The first high court set up to try the king
This was part of the republican rule that followed.
When was King Charles I executed?
January 31, 1649
His trial was marked by controversy and legal disputes.
What was the political structure from 1649-1653?
Commonwealth with no protectorate regime, ruled by the people
This was characterized by republican rule.
Who was appointed as Royal Chaplain in July 1625 and why was this significant?
-Richard Montague
-He was an anti-calvinist divine
York House conference date and what?
Feb 1626
Aimed to debate theological differences, particularly between Calvinism and Arminianism, but ultimately failed to resolve the issue, leading to increased religious tensions and political polarization.
When did Charles I begin to enforce forced loans and why?
Sep 1626
Parliament refused to fund Charles’ wars
Privy council decides to raise this forced loan equivalent to five parliamentary subsidies
He begins to imprison dissenters
When was Lord Chief Justice Carew dismissed and why?
Sep 1626
He refused to endorse the legality of the forced loan.
When was Wentworth appointed as president of the council of the North and why is this significant?
Dec 1628
Sets stage for his later actions in Ireland which would ultimately lead to his downfall.
What were the three resolutions and when and how were they passed?
2 March 1629
Speaker of teh commons prevented from dissolving parliament until passed
Condemned: those who have promoted popery and Arminianism, those who had advised the king to levy extra parliamentary taxes, merchants who had voluntarily paid customs duties, as TRAITORS
1630 EVENTS
Aug, Exchequer judges support the King’s right to levy knighthood fines
Nov, Treaty of Madrid, peace between Enbgland and Spain
Future Charles II is born
When was Wentworth appointed Deputy of Ireland?
Jan 1632
What/when new scottish prayer book
June 1633
EXTREMELY UNPOPULAR
Leads to Prayer book rebellion
When was Laud made Archbishop of Canterbury and why was this significant?
1633
VERY CONTROVERSIAL
He championed a ‘high church’ approach, which emphasised elaborate rituals, ornate church interiors CONTRASTS CLASSIC PROTESTANT AND PURITAN VIEW
Laud aligned more with Arminian views, Laud’s emphasis on restoring “beauty of holiness” in churches, including the use of elaborate vestments, stained glass, and images, was seen by Puritans as a move towards Catholic practices.
Laud’s order that communion tables be placed against the east wall of the chancel, surrounded by railings, was particularly controversial, as it was seen as a move towards a more Catholic-style altar.
When was the Book of sports reissued and where?
1633
Blanket enforcement, rather tahn just place specific like under James I.
1634 event
Oct, Ship money writs sent to maritime counties
NOT A HUGE ISSUE AS THIS WAS WHERE USUALLY ENFORCED
Even though this was a wartime tax and England was not at war.
1635 events
June, ship money extended inland, MORE OPPOSITION
Medieval forest courts are revived, FISCAL FEUDALISM
Who was appointed as Lord Treasurer in 1636
William Juxon, Bishop of London
1637 events
July, riots in Edinburgh in St Giles Church AGAINST THE PRAYER BOOK
Scottish prayer book rebellion, Scots violently rejecting the new prayer book
When did the Scottish National assembly abolish bishops and what did this lead to?
Nov 1638
Led to first Bishops war
When was the end of personal rule?
1640
When was Wentworth created Earl of Strafford and Lord Lieutentant of Ireland?
Jan 1640
Short parliament
April-May 1640
Only met for a few weeks
Charles dissolved because of parliament’s refusal to grant him funds unless he addressed their grievances first.
ISSUES LIKE SHIP MONEY, SCOTTISH PRAYER BOOK, PERSONAL RULE
Dates of second Bishop’s war, how did it end what happened?
Aug-Oct 2nd 1640
- Scots took Newcastle which forced Charles to call the Long Parliament
- Significantly weakens Charles’ position
- Major event is the battle of Newburn, where Scots cross over the border at the River Tweed and reach Newcastle
- Ends with Treaty of Ripon, temporarily settled the conflict, required Charles to pay the Scots while they occupied parts of Northern England, TERMS WERE UNFAVOURABLE TO CHARLES UNTIL PARLIAMENT RATIFY THE TREATY
Contributed significantly to tensions which led to first civil war
When did the Long Parliament first meet?
Nov 1640
Attacks on ship money, judges and monopolists
When were Strafford and Laud impeached?
Nov 1640
What/when London Root and Branch petition
Dec 1640
Presented to parliament, signed by Londoners
Proposed the abolition of Bishops
What began in March 1641?
Trial of the Earl of Strafford
Led to his execution and the use of the Bill of Attainder
He was on trial for treason
What/when Army Plot
April 1641
Failed attempt by supporters of the King to overthrow parliament using the army.
Esculated tensions and divisions.
April 1641, Strafford’s trial
Prosecution fail to prove their case
Why Bill of Attainder is later used
What/when Bishop’s exclusion bill
May 1641
Prevents men in Holy Orders from exercising any jurisdiction or authority
Link to ‘NO BISHOP NO KING!’
When was Strafford executed?
May 1641
SHOWS KING IS LOSING POWER
He is executed after a Bill of Attainder is passed againt him, Charles was forced to assent to Strafford’s execution.
When were there riots in London, Charles I, and what did this lead to?
May 1641, steps towards civil war.
When was the act passed which prevented the dissolution of parliament without its own consent?
May 1641
Limiting powers of the King
When was the tonnage and poundage act passed?
June 1641, granted the King customs duties for a limited time, declared that levying such duties without parliament’s consent was illegal
June 1641
- tonnage and poundage act
-House of Lords reject the Bishops Exclusion Bill
-King announces his intention to visit Scotland
-Ten propositions agreed by parliament as basis for negotiations with the King
July 1641
Acts abolishing the courts of Star Chamber and Court of High commission
HUGE LOSS OF THE KINGS POWER
INCREASED TENSIONS
Aug 1641
-Act abolishing Ship Money
-Limitation of Forests Act
-Act preventing the distraint of knighthood
-Charles visits Scotland
What events in Aug 1641 did Charles view as undermining the Royal Prerogative and his power?
-Act abolishing Ship Money
-Limitation of the forests act
-act preventing dutraint of knighthood
What was the distraint of Knighthood?
Forced landowners with estates of a certain value to take up knighthoods, initially for military reasons, but later also to raise revenue through fines or compounding, which caused considerable animosity.
Who did Charles make concessions to in Sep 1641 and what were they?
-Scottish Covenanters
- Including the abolition of bishops in the Church of Scotland, and the remittance of financial payments from England to Scotland, which led to the withdrawal of Covenanter forces from northern England.
Oct 1641 events
-Start of second session of Long Parliament, opposition programme became much more radical, formation of different parties: royalists and parliamentarians
-Irish rebellion, beginning of the Irish Catholic-Protestant divide. HAPPENS BECAUSE STRAFFORD IS DEAD SO THEY ARE ABLE TO REBEL.
-Allegations of a royalist plot against Scottish covenanters, ‘The Scottish Incident’.
Who were the Scottish Covenanters?
-Scottish Presbyterians
-signed covenants to defend their presbyterian church government and worship against percieved Stuart interferance
DEC 1641
-Militia Bill introduced in the commons
-ruling oligarchic clique in London defeated in city elections
-mobs controlled London, 13 bishops were prevented from attending parlaiment because of this and demanded that proceedings in their absence should be null and void, end up impeached as as result
-rumours cicrulated that Henrietta Maria was to be impeached.
What/when militia bill
Dec 1641
introduced in the commons
gave parliament the power to appoint military commanders
Charles refused to give his royal assent
When did Charles leave London for the North?
Jan 1642, never returns as a free man
When did Henrietta Maria leave England and why?
Feb 1642
seeking foreign support
What did parliament issue in March 1642 without the King’s consent?
Militia ordinance
Granted parliament the power to control the country’s militia forces, taking command of the army away from the king
April 1642, event
John Hotham refuses to surrender the Royal Arsenal at Hull to the King.
Charles was unable to gain access to the ammunitions there.
When did Charles I issue commissions of Array?
June 1642
Issued to challenge the orders given by parliament to raise troops under its militia odinance
What/when 19 propositions?
June 1642
Set of demands made by parliament to the King
As a basis for negotations again
Said parliament should: approve the appointment of ministers, control the army and the militia, oversee foreign policy, control the education of royal children, hold the King’s ministers accountable
CHARLES REJECTS THESE OUTRIGHT
Led to preperatiosn for armed conflict.
When did parliament vote to raise an army, first civil war?
July 1642
When was the first armed conflict of 1642 and what was it?
July 1642
Lord Strange was forcibly prevented from seizing ammunitions in Manchester
When were Charles’ forces stopped at Turnham Green and why was this significant?
Nov 1642
The Royalist forces’ advance on London was halted at Turnham Green, effectively ending any immediate prospect of the King capturing the capital. This standoff was crucial because it marked the end of the royalist hopes of seizing London and shifted the balance of power in the First English Civil War.
When did parliament first agree to peace negotations, first civil war and when did this fail?
Dec 1642
and these failed in May 1642
When did the seige of Hull begin and what was it?
July 1643
Was an attempt from Charles of seizing Hull which held a large arsenal
HE FAILED, PARLIAMENT WON IN OCT 1643
When did parliament ally with Scotland and what did they agree to?
Aug 1643
Signing of the Solemn League and Covenenant
Would establish a presbyterian church in both England and Scotland in return for help in defeating the King.
When did Pym die?
Dec 1643
What happened in Feb 1644?
Religious independents in Parliament begin to ask for limited religious toleration.
What happened to Essex and his army in sep 1644?
- Trapped in Cornwall
-Surrendered entire army - ESSEX WAS A PARLIAMENTARIAN
What happened between Manchester and Cromwell 1644 and what did it symbolise?
Sep-Nov 1644
They quarrelled over military strategy
It symbolised the divisions in parliament between the peace and war party.
When did parliament introduce the self-denying ordinance and when was it passed?
Dec 1644 introduced,
Passed in April 1645
When was the NMA formed?
Jan - March 1645
Why did peace talks from Jan-March 1645 fail?
RELIGIOUS DIVISIONS and mutual distrust
Weher were the Royalists defeated in July 1645
Langport
Significantly boosted parliament’s position and opened the prospect of a parliamentary victory
Two royalist defeats in Sep 1645
Prince Rupert forced to surrender Bristol
Scottish Royalists defeated by convenanters
What basically marked the end of the first civil war?
April 1646
King Charles I left Oxford and surrendered to the Scots
When did the Scots hand Charles over to parliament?
Feb 1647
Scots handed him over and left england
Parliament voted for disbnadment of the army and left it with only 8 weeks worth of wages.
April -May 1647, army
Army petitions
Agitators are seized
Army refuse to disband
Shows their growing strength as a political player
