1. The Civil War and the Commonwealth Study Questions

2. Study questions
In what way can Charles I be called an absolute king?
Charles I followed a policy of disregard for Parliament and of opposition to all forms of religious dissent.
What are the short and long Parliaments?
The short Parliament lasted for only three weeks and then was dissolved by the king. The long Parliament, instead, sat until In 1641 it asked the king to accept radical proposals for reform.
What interests did the House of Commons represent?
The interests of the merchants and the landed gentry.
Why was the Puritan mentality well suited to the mercantile classes?
Because the merchants based their lifestyle on hard work and success in business, beliefs which were rooted in the Puritan creed of austerity, predestination and individualism.
What led to the Civil War?
The king’s refusal to accept the Parliament’s proposals .

3. Study questions
How were the opposite forces constituted ?
By the Royalists or Cavaliers on one side and the Parliamentarians on the Roundheads on the other;
What was the Commonwealth? What social restrictions went along with it?
A Parliamentary republic, at first under the House of Commons and after 1653 directly ruled by Oliver Cromwell. The closing of the theatres was imposed by Cromwell as these were seen as sinful places