Charles I- background Flashcards
When was the accession of Charles I?
May 1625
What was the legacy of James in regards to foreign affairs?
England not yet declared war on Spain, but had financed Mansfeld’s expedition and was subsiding the armies of Denmark and the United Provinces.
What was James’ legacy in regards to religious issues?
- Arminians being promoted, but still a voice at court for other Puritan views.
- Increasing concern about success of Catholic armies in Europe and their potential influence in England.
What was James’ legacy in regards to relations with Parliament?
- James’ policies not always met with approval from Parliament.
- Did not appreciate Parliament, but accepted it as a necessary part of political system. So crown and parliament did work together generally.
How did Charles’ reign begin and differ to James’?
- Did not consult widely for advice, relied on Buckingham and a small circle of advisors.
- Intensely disliked negotiations that were part of maintaining good relations with Parliament.
- Followed policies that caused alarm, suggested king was committed neither to Protestant church or maintenance of Parliamentary liberties.
What was the character of Charles I?
- Different from father, believed STRONGLY in Divine Right of Kings, didn’t think he needed to explain his actions.
- Had a speech impediment, shy and avoided contact with subjects.
- Marriage to Henrietta Maria of France eventually improved.
- Believed he can achieve order by ‘acting out a role’ for subjects to observe.
- Doesn’t believe in ‘balancing act’, power should stay with the King, nobody else.
How can we see that Charles was strict?
- Strictly enforced directives of who was allowed to access the privy chamber and bedchamber.
- Royal families public acts, such as eating were governed by rigid rules of etiquette.
Charles patronage of?
Patronage of the arts.
Spent more time in 1630 developing his art collection rather than anything else.
What was the issue with Charles’ patronage of the arts?
Patronage of Catholic artists, such as Peter Paul Rubens (painting ceilings in House in Whitehall) and Bernini (made a bust of the King). Aroused deep suspicion.
How was Charles’ patronage of Bernini responded to?
- William Prynne saw negotiations with Bernini, which were assisted by pope’s nephew as a plot to ‘seduce the King with pictures’.
Describe ‘un-English’ patronage of the arts.
- Even patronage of architect Indigo Jones regarded with distrust because his ‘Palladian’ style regarded as un-English.
What was the definition of ‘Palladian’?
Architecture with Greek and Roman features.
What was Charles I’s take on foreign policy?
- Charles anxious to play full part in struggle against Habsburg’s and restore Frederick to Palatinate.
- Needed money.
How much money did the commons initially give to Charles?
Two subsidies of £140,000.
Justified on grounds that no war had been declared.
When did Charles declare war with Spain?
1625
What were the initial issues with the attack on Spain?
- Not enough money.
- £500,000 spent preparing navy for war, but short of essentials.
- Used Queen’s dowry of £120,000 but navy still not prepared.
When did Charles set sail for war with Spain?
Set sail to Cadiz, October 1625.
What problems did Charles initially faced when coming to the throne?
- James’ death sudden in March 1625, left behind a plethora of unresolved issues.
- Parliament’s lasting resentment of James carried through to Charles.
- French had denied alliance to go against the Spanish.
- Richelieu insisted that penal laws against Catholics need to be relaxed.
When was the first Parliament?
June-August 1625
What happened in the First Parliament in terms of foreign policy?
- Charles and Buckingham vague about what they planned for a continental war, but made it evident that a naval expedition to Cadiz was planned.
- Hoped to subsidise a Danish invasion of Germany, led by Christian IV, Charles’ uncle.
- Estimated cost of £60,000 but commons wanted more details.
What happened in terms of finance in the first Palriament?
- MPs unhappy when Lord Keeper suggested that the granting of the subsidies were so urgent that it must take precedence over all matters
What was agreed in the first parliament?
- Two subsidies of £140,000 but no more, good tactic because it was difficult to ask for more.
- Willing to give Charles tonnage and poundage for a year.
What was the issue of Parliament offering tonnage and poundage to Charles for a year?
Since 1485, usually granted for their entire reign.
Shows Parliamentary distrust.
Who dominated the first Parliament and who wasn’t listened to?
- Buckingham dominated. Opposed by Abbot and members of Privy council.
- Arundel, supporter of the Spanish match was ignored because the policy now changed to war with Spain.
Why did Parliament question Buckingham?
- Made Lord Admiral despite having no experience and being prone to seasickness.
What did Parliament want from Charles in the first Parliament?
‘settled and constant council’
What happened in the first parliament in regards to religion?
- Parliament concerned about penal laws, thought that Charles was being too lenient.
- Commons argued that it was for him to decide.
- Commons said priests should be upheld and attendance at mass should not be open to all.
- Touched on attacks of Montagu, Charles defended him, an arminian and one of the loyal chaplains.