Religion: conflict and dissent part 1

Question 1

what is a confessional state?

Answer 1

A single type of religious practice was enforced by the gov.

Question 2

By 1668 was England still called a confessional state?

Answer 2

No, because toleration has been granted to most Christian groups.

Question 3

what Events during James I contributed to growing fears of Catholicism?

Answer 3

Gun powder plot = replace the monarch and MPs with 7 Catholics
Hapsburg assault on protestants in central Europe.

Question 4

How did Charles actions increase the fear of Catholicism?

Answer 4

• There was a high-profile catholic gentry in courts.
• Nobility used their wealth and influence to support Catholics (their religion) who lacked facilities.
• Charles marriage of Henrietta in 1625 – French catholic-
• Henrietta had her own catholic priests also their children were raised as Catholics.
• Henrietta encouraged others to join her as Charles allowed her priests to officiate outside her private chapel.
• Promotion of Arminians in the church and at court. (Arminians was very similar to Catholics practices)
• Exclusion of puritan nobility from office.
• His absolutist character towards parliament e.g. forced loans and petition of rights suggested a desire of an stereotypical absolutist ruler wink wink the French.

Question 5

(During the civil war and interregnum)
What acts (and when) and actions during this period specifically targeted Catholics?

Answer 5

• In August 1643, all Catholics aged over 21 to swear an oath of abjuration denying their basic beliefs.
• If they refused, they had two thirds of their lands and goods confiscated.
• Catholics were also required to pay the assessment tax at twice the normal rate.
• The oath was reissued in 1656 with even stricter term. This shows there was still hatred towards Catholics.
• 1657 Act of parliament called for the closing down of catholic chapels in foreign embassies, with a fine of £100 for anyone who worships them.

Question 6

What was Cromwell’s attitude towards Catholics

example of jan 1654

Answer 6

Anti-Catholic in nature

In Jan 1654 cromwell stated that all laws against C under eliza i and J I were to continue.

Question 7

Give an example when CW had a contradictory nature with Catholicism? 1654

Answer 7

Sir Digby, a catholic in the household of Henrietta. He visited London 1654 and was able to get back all the confiscated property.

Question 8

Was Catholicism Wiped out during the civil war and interregnum?

Answer 8

No, 1656 oath = shows there was still has a huge amount of Catholics in which they were a threat to CW or puritans