Stuart Britain Points Test 1 - Financial and Political Disagreements between Crown and Parliament, 1603-1629 Flashcards
How did Robert Cecil, Chief Minister under Elizabeth and James’ first Lord Treasurer, attempt to deal with James’ financial difficulties?
1610, beginnings of negotiations with Parliament over the ‘Great Contract’.
What did Cecil ask from parliament for James, in return for giving up some prerogative income, in the Great Contract? Give two points.
Return for annual grant of £200,000 from parliament
Removal of debts of £600,000.
What was the conflict between James and Parliament in his first parliament of 19th March 1604, concerning the selection of 2 MPs, one a privy councillor, the other accused of being an outlaw?
The Buckinghamshire election.
How much more was James spending than Elizabeth from 1603-1625, in terms of crown expenditure?
Twice as much!
Why did James’ financial extravagance make parliament less willing to provide funds for the crown?
Such generosity made MP’s reluctant to consider financial reform or give James more money, as they worried James would simply give money away, particularly to favoured Scots.
Why were the ante-suppers notorious? Give two points.
Extremely wasteful-one feast just for show, thrown away!
One in 1621 cost £3300.
What positive results did James’ lavish generosity have?
Patronage crucial to political system, buying goodwill to a new monarch coming to the throne/James a new Monarch.
When did James press for an Act of Union?
1606.
Why was the Act of Union rejected by both Scottish and English Political Nations? Give two points.
Xenophobia of both sides/dislike of equality between nations from English!
Parliamentary records from 1606 make it clear that they felt the laws of England would be destroyed by the creation of Great Britain..
What was the Cockayne project?
1614, plan to reorganise the cloth trade, and a commission to prevent further building in London-monopoly granted to businessman William Cockayne, scheme failed.
Why did the Cockayne project fail?
Dutch refused to purchase finished cloth from England, slump in English cloth trade.
What was the royal debt, by 1617, and 1620?
By 1617, Royal debt £726,000, economy entering depression.
By 1620, Royal debt at £900,000
What support did Parliament offer James as regards finances for potential involvement in the Thirty Year’s War?
1621, only 2 subsidies totalling £140,000.
By 1621, how many monopolies were there?
By 1621, more than 100 monopolies.
In the midst of factional court strife over monopolies, who did James sacrifice to impeachment by the commons (by Cranfield/Coke) to save Buckingham?
Lord Chancellor Francis Bacon.
