The Legacy of James I Flashcards
What was the Millenary Petition?
Puritans, who believed that Elizabeth had not taken religion seriously enough used the opportunity to draft a list of reforms for James to consider. It contained over a thousand signatures and became known as the Millenary Petition.
Describe the Gunpowder Plot
It was an attempt by Catholic terrorists to kill the king and his governance in 1605 and replace him with a catholic monarch
What were the effects of the Gunpowder Plot?
Recusancy fines (fines for not attending your local parish church for service) were increased
Catholics were removed from government posts
Catholics had to affirm a new Oath of Allegiance
Public fear of Catholics grew stronger
Describe James I
He was an experienced monarch of 37 years yet he displayed little regal poise and dignity. His court was vulgar and brash and he offended contemporary sensibilities by his pursuit of virile young men.
Thus, he was often mocked.
Describe James’s relationship with parliament
The English parliament did not function as an extension of his personal court and instead he found it argumentative, with a growing sense of its institutional independence and included members who were keen to haggle over constitutional issues. He expected to be its head, instead he found that it was a body beginning to strain towards an authority and an existence of its own.
What financial problems did James face ?
Elizabeth died with a significant debt that transferred to James
Wars were expensive and England was still at war with Spain when he succeeded the throne
He needed to display a generous patronage ( the support of a wealthy or influential person for someone of lesser wealth or status. For example the king acted as a patronage when he gave out titles)
France and Spain had glamorous, extravagant courts and James needed to maintain English prestige with an equally vibrant environment
What was the Great Contract?
Was intended to clear James’s debts and set the Crown on a professional financial footing, with an annual budget of £200,000 guaranteed by Parliament.
Why did the Great Contract fail?
James annoyed Parliament with long lectures about his royal authority and prerogative rights
Parliament worried that they would lose power if James had enough money without needing to recall them
What relationship did James I have with foreign powers?
James brought a fresh perspective of foreign affairs to England when he arrived in 1903
1604- Treaty of London, ended war with Spain
1609- Alliance with France
1612- Alliance with German Protestant Union
1613- Marriage of Daughter Elizabeth to Elector Frederick V of Germany
1613-18 and 1622-23- Pursuit of Spanish Princess for his son Prince Charles
How did James I die?
His health deteriorated significantly to the point that he lost the ability to guide his government effectively. This allowed Buckingham to achieve near total domination of public affairs. A marriage treaty was signed in November 1624, which meant Charles wife and her children and servants would be allowed to practice Catholicism in an open church.
James died in 1625, bequeathing Charles a very mixed legacy.
