James I Context and starting issues Flashcards
James I Profile
What type of monarch was James?
He was a pragmatic monarch but he was still an absolutist like all European monarchs at the time because of the belief of DRK
Who was James’ mother? What happened to her?
Mary Queen of Scots and she was executed in 1587 because of an accusement of murder of her husband
What happened to James that made him struggle socially?
He was orphaned and had to buy people’s affections.
When did he become King of Scotland?
1567 at 13 months old
Whom did he marry?
Anne of Denmark in 1589 and had 2 children - Henry and Charles (1594 and 1600)
What happened to Henry?
He died of tuberculosis and therefore made an unprepared Charles heir.
When did he become King of England?
Age 37 in 1603.
What was the belief of Divine Right of Kings?
Belief that the King was chosen by God to rule and he was God’s Earth Representative
Disobedience to the King was sinful
Subjects accepted and gave into a hierarchy which created a structured society
Some believed this would be like absolutism like Spain and France.
What is absolutism?
Absolutism is the system that all the power is concentrated by monarch without consulting Parliament.
Who was James’ mentor growing up?
George Buchanan taught that Kings were chosen by the people and meant to be accountable
John Knox did the opposite saying that it was his God-give right to do so.
What books did James write?
He wrote about the power of the monarch in 1598 and 1599
Trew Law of Free Monachies and Basilikon Doron
What did James believe that he should be as a King?
He wanted to be a good king and that Kings should govern with justice and equality
Foreign merchants should be invited and base currencies on golf etc
A good King has a good relationship with subjects and it is wise to visit all kingdoms a triennial.
What did James say in his speech in 1610?
Kings are Gods - links to biblical scripture
Kings are the father figure in society - Paternalism
“For Kings are not only God’s lieutenants upon Earth”
What were the disputed elections? An evidence of clashes in his reign
Problems with the Commons of Chancery (Appeals and Petitions) were to dispute election results
If responsible, MPs feared the government to pack parliament with lots of bribery etc
MPs told by James that he only gave privileges etc
Control was argued and was amicably resolved.
How is this evidence that James was not an Absolutist?
He compromised and that the Commons got control with him being the source of privileges.
What is purveyance?
Buying something for lower than its value which is usually for vehicles
What was the problem regarding purveyance?
She had a problem of it being a prerogative
Tended to only benefit southern areas - extended to wife and son
What was the solution to purveyance? What happened with the officials?
Prepared to give up some of it for compensations
Hostile and thought he clung onto outdated privileges which made unresolved.
What was the verdict of James’ purveyance issue?
Kings were authoritarian and that the pragmatic style can be given up a lot.
Struggled to resolve it.
What was wardships?
When the heir was a minor they couldn’t inherit the estates until they were of age
Land was exploited by the crown and not maintained
Heir had to buy back the land which had a lot of bribery and corruption was present.
What was the solution to wardships?
Cecil made a new scheme but got lobbied by the Court of Wards and therefore had to backtrack
Commons blamed James for letting Cecil be bribed
Alienated his own class being passive
What was the Form of Apology and Satisfaction 1604?
Commons decided they were under threat - made a letter
Had grievances about privileges and that they were as equal as land and goods were
Should be everlasting
What was the negatives to the Form of Apology and Satisfaction 1604?
It was never presented to Parliament
James warned them to use their liberties more modestly
What does this show about his absolutist rule during the Form of Apology of Satisfaction 1604?
Shows that he has absolutist rule and that he is not afraid to back down to anything.
For - James was an absolutist during his early years
1610 Speech - Endorsed the belief of DRK.
1607 - Dr Cowell asserted that the King was above the law - alarmed the Commons and James condemned this
Form of Apology and Satisfaction - highlighted the discontent but due to his power they were unable to bring it to the table to discuss it to him - were warned.
When Commons and Chancery argued over disputed elections - James upset Parliament by saying privileges were his issue
Clashed with Edward Coke who said the Common Law was sovereign saying James defied it.
Against - James wasn’t absolutist
Disputed Elections - Cooperated and compromised with the Commons to reach the agreement - pragmatic approach that wasn’t done in Spain and France eg.
He didn’t want to be a tyrant because he believed a good king considered his subjects as a priority - developed this from his work with George Buchanan.
He was willing to stop issuing proclamations when parliament complained over abuse of power eg purveyance - he demonstrated respect for the law.
No taxes were introduced without the consent of Parliament and therefore he had financial trust in the early years.
He was open to the idea of Purveyance being stopped if given compensation - this complicated matters but highlighted the openings to negotiations.
