Charles I and parliament, 1625-29 Flashcards
How many parliaments did Charles I call in order to secure finance for his foreign policy?
Three - indicates that Charles’ relationship with parliament had rapidly deteriorated.
Which religion did Charles I openly support?
Arminianism - a form of protestantism, alienated the majority of the political class (those who had economic, social and political influence).
Why did many view Arminianism as dangerous?
As it was close to Catholicism - high level of anti-Catholic sentiment.
How Charles I’s support for Arminianism shown?
1625 - Promoted the Arminian Richard Montagu to his royal chaplain in the face of parliamentary calls for Montagu’s impeachment
1626 - Allowing his favourite, the Duke of Buckingham, to state his favour for Arminianism at the York House Conference
1628 - Making the Arminian William Laud the Bishop of London
Why was Charles’ foreign policy was a failure?
in 1625, he called parliament to fund an attack on the Spanish, but the raid on Cadiz was a disaster
- He sought to help the Protestant French Huguenots, and his forces where again defeated at La Rochelle in 1627
- Both these defeats were regarded as national humiliations
Where was Parliament’s anger directed at, following the foreign policy failures?
Duke of Buckingham - as he had overseen foreign policy - Parliament wanted him impeached - Charles refused to sacrifice Buckingham as a scapegoat.
When was the Duke of Buckingham assassinated, and how did the public react? How did Charles I react?
1628 - the public rejoiced at his death - it merely increased Charles’ hostility towards parliament.
What did Charles I need to do in order to finance foreign policy?
Raise additional income through taxation - in 1625 parliament agreed to two subsidies amounting to £140,000 - but Charles needed £1 million - so he asked the commons for more.
Why did Charles dissolve parliament in 1626?
They refused to give him more money to finance foreign policy.
How did Charles go about raising income after dissolving parliament?
- He levied a forced loan worth five subsidies, which was taxation that had not been agreed by parliament - caused a significant amount of resentment.
What happened to five knights how refused to pay, and what resulted from this?
There were imprisoned and refused bail - became known as the Five Knights case - there was now a clear indication of Charles’ absolutist intentions - not only was he taxing without consent but was also imprisoning as he wished.
What did Charles’ policies in religion, foreign policy and finance lead many MPs to assert?
That the king was acting illegally and contrary to the established forms of government.
What did Charles do when he called his third parliament in 1628?
He demanded the immediate granting of taxes to continue the wars - but MPs decided that no Monet would be granted unless their various grievances were addressed.
What do Charles’ third parliament do when summoned?
They presented their grievances in the Petition of Right.
What were the terms of the Petition of Right of 1628?
- There should be no taxation without the consent of parliament
- There should be no imprisonment without cause shown
- There should be no billeting of soldiers or sailors upon householders against their will
- There should be no martial law to punish ordinary offences by sailors or soldiers