The Beginning

Question 1

In what ways was Charles a tyrant?

Think of laws, intentions, raising revenue…

Answer 1

• Imposed dubious laws, like Ship Money
• Illegally collecting tonnage and poundage
• Intentions in ruling alone
• Frequent breaches of parliamentary privilege eg imprisonment of Eliot, Digges and Coke

Question 2

In what ways was Charles NOT a tyrant?

Think of other monarchs, who he relied on…

Answer 2

• It wasn’t uncommon for monarchs to rule without parliament eg Elizabeth only called 10 parliaments during her entire rule
• Divine right of Kings
• He did rely on the local government, so wasn’t completely ruling alone

Question 3

HISTORIOGRAPHY

How was Charles’ rule depicted post restoration?

Answer 3

• In the years following the restoration, Charles was seen as a victim, trying to do what was best

Question 4

HISTORIOGRAPHY

- How would the Whig historians view Charles rule?

Answer 4

18th/19th century - eg Maculay and Trevelyan

• Believed that British history was headed towards parliamentary democracy
• Disliked Charles

Question 5

HISTORIOGRAPHY

What is the restorationist view of Charles rule?

Answer 5

Post WW2

Adopt a more balanced, objective view of Charles reign

Question 6

In what ways was PERSONAL RULE a success?

Answer 6

• Raised a lot of money through intelligent means, therefore financial system became more intelligent (eg return rates rose to 90%)
• Succeeding in ruling without parliamentary subsidies
• Foreign policy succeeds, peace with France and Spain

Question 7

In what ways was personal rule a FAILURE?

Answer 7

• Parliament were bitter
• Resentment from local officials Ho disliked taxes and the new efficiency, which ended corruption so they could no longer steal
• Could only raise enough to keep England during times of peace

Question 8

How did Henrietta Maria’s influence change following Buckinghams death?
How did Charles react?
How did others react?

Answer 8

After Buckinghams death, Henrietta Maria’s influence grew

• Charles indulged her Catholicism, and had a a Catholic Chapel constructed for her in 1639
• This only fuelled the Catholic Conspiracy, and she was be unpopular

Question 9

What was Charles’ relationship with local governments?

Answer 9

He relied on them to enforce his will and oversee proceedings
This was highlighted by…
- The Book of Orders, which gave instruction on how to deal with economic hardship
- Declaration of sport, to ensure that puritans did not illegally prohibit sporting recreation on sundays