The trial and execution of the king Flashcards
Why was the trial public?
MPs and the army wanted to cloak their actions in legal form, many did not want to execute the king in the first place.
What happened 6th December 1648?
Colonel pride and his regiment turned up at parliament and turned away all members who had voted to continue negotiations with the king, this was known as pride’s purge and the remaining MPs were known as the rump.
What was the biggest issue with the trial?
Court claimed to represent the will of the people, but very few people actually wanted to put the king on trial.
How did Charles act at the trial?
Dignified, he refused to enter a plea or accept the authority of the court. Regardless of how well he conducted himself, the outcome had already been decided.
What was the importance of Charles’ death?
Beheaded January 1649, used it to paint himself as a martyr of the people. In dying with dignity, he paved the way for a future restoration of the monarchy.
What was the role of Cromwell in the trial?
Had not spoken of it until December 1648, was originally against it, but the king starting the second civil war convinced him that he was a man of blood and that god was against the monarchy.
How did most people react to the execution?
Horrified at the regicide, this was not a good base upon which to build the new Republic.
What did the rump do after the execution?
Abolished the monarchy and House of Lords in march, the fact they took so long to do so showed how conservative they were.
What did the challenge to the established order do?
Led to the growth of radical movements such as john lilburne’s levelers.
According to the leveler humble petition, what had parliament failed to do?
Make all things common, reform the law, abolish tithes, introduce freedom of conscience, free trade restrictions.
