James I & parliament

Question 1

Reasons for the failure of the 1614 “addled” parliament : Money

Answer 1

James needed more money and the commons were reluctant to provide it.

Question 2

Reasons for the failure of the 1614 “addled” parliament : Union

Answer 2

• Leadership of the house of commons fell to Sir Edwin Sandy, he sabotaged James’ hope for a union between his 2 kingdoms.
• He insisted the Scots must be ruled by the English laws and an English parliament.
• The Scots would never accept this.

Question 3

Reasons for the failure of the 1614 “addled” parliament : Relations with Spain

Answer 3

Some favoured a peaceful policy with Spain and others saw Spain as a serious threat and wanted a more hostile attitude - even war.

Question 4

Reasons for the failure of the 1614 “addled” parliament : Corruption of the court

Answer 4

Many courtiers had no desire for a parliament:
- They leaked information on the “undertakers idea” & attempts to “pack parliament”
- Commons investigated and expelled a MP for corrupt electoral practices

Question 5

Why was parliament critical of James’ policy? (1)

Answer 5

Criticisms in James’ parliaments in 1621 & 1624 were multi casual

Question 6

Why was parliament critical of James’ policy? (2)

Answer 6

Foreign policy was one issue - linked with fears about perceived growing Roman Catholic influence - fuelled by radical Protestant views

Question 7

Why was parliament critical of James’ policy? (3)

Answer 7

James had also not saved his financial problems - his parliaments reluctant to grant him large sums or pay his debts

Question 8

Why was parliament critical of James’ policy? (4)

Answer 8

Without money he couldn’t influence European affairs - could only make empty threats of action

Question 9

Why was parliament critical of James’ policy? (5)

Answer 9

James’ reliance on George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham and the corrupt nature of his court

Question 10

What caused difficulties in 1621 parliament?
Circumstances

Answer 10

• Serious trade depression 1620.
• Exports of cloth fell.
• Widespread unemployment.
• Disruption of foreign markets.

Question 11

What caused difficulties in 1621 parliament?
Monopolies

Answer 11

• James granted more & more monopolies = rising prices in a time of economic downturn.
• James cancelled some = losing the revenue.

Question 12

What caused difficulties in 1621 parliament?
Money

Answer 12

• James made clear over a £million needed to send an army to Europe.
• Commons voted 2 subsidies - £140,000 for general purposes.

Question 13

What caused difficulties in 1624 parliament?
Circumstances

Answer 13

• Since 1621 parliament, Charles and Buckingham made visit to Madrid.
• Returned eager for war with Spain.
• Journey sparked great public interest in foreign affairs.
• General fear the Roman Catholics about to proceed from “toleration” to “equality” to “superity”.
• Suggestions James would convert.

Question 14

What caused difficulties in 1624 parliament?
Monopolies

Answer 14

• Grievances raised again & legislation passed to end grant of monopolies.
• Was a blow to royal perogative.

Question 15

What caused difficulties in 1624 parliament?
Money

Answer 15

• James made clear if there was an active foreign policy - parliament must be prepared to pay it.
• He wouldn’t declare war until he had his money.
• 6 subsidies & 12 15’s should suffice - was about £780,000
• No hopes the commons would grant this.
• 3 subsidies & 3 15’s were granted
• Spent on:
  
  • English defence
  • Securing Ireland
  • Helping Dutch
  • On navy