The English Civil War and The Glorious Revolution

English Civil War 1603: James I (VI of Scotland) becomes king of England and started the Stuart line. King James Bible Refused to accept any control from Parliament. Rules without for several years. --- Religious issues (Anglicans vs. Catholics vs. Presbyterians). Nov 5, 1605—Gunpowder Plot (Guy Fawkes) 1607—Jamestown

English Civil War 1625: Charles I, (son of James I) becomes king of England (actually the 2 nd son, but older brother died). Clashes with Parliament and decides to rule without it (for 11 years!) Saw himself as absolute ruler; parliament did not. --- Also, married a Catholic woman. Puritans and others thought he was too nice to the Catholics and, maybe, liked the Pope. Gets England involved in Thirty Years’ War, but doesn’t do enough to help Protestant forces (e.g., he’s seen as a Catholic lover).

English Civil War he was forced to ask Parliament for money (to fight Scot and Irish wars). They said no. In 1642, fighting broke out between the King’s supporters and the Parliament.

English Civil War Cavaliers (or Royalists) supporters of the King Roundheads supporters of Parliament Both terms originally used derisively; Cavalier became “cool”, but calling someone Roundhead could earn punishment. Names essentially based on hairstyle.

English Civil War At first, the Cavaliers won most of the battles. But then a Roundhead, Oliver Cromwell, reorganized the troops (New Model Army = professional)

English Civil War Colonel Pride (NMA; pro-Cromwell) purges Parliament of all those in favor of King Charles. Now known as the Rump Parliament (leftover). Remaining members agree to execution. Eventually, King Charles I was forced to surrender In 1649, his head was chopped off in front of a crowd in London

After Charles’ Death Parliament rules for 4 years – Commons only Law passed: illegal to claim a new King (Charles II, son of Charles I, in exile in France is technically the new king, because his dad is dead). Known as the Commonwealth 1653: Cromwell takes control of the country, calling himself “Lord Protector of England”

Oliver Cromwell Ruled efficiently, but strictly (Puritan) No more: ale-houses gambling makeup Christmas sports, etc.

King Charles II Cromwell died (1658) and his son rules briefly. He gives power away. Many Englishmen wanted a King Charles II: the son of Charles I, who ran away to France, was welcomed back and crowned king. He brought back the party and royal power that Cromwell had crushed.

King Charles II The return of the king is known as the Restoration Rules Return of the Stuart line The “Merry Monarch” good times at court, 12 illegitimate kids, etc.

King Charles II During his reign, a plague killed thousands The next year, a fire swept through the city, destroying hundreds of buildings and killing the rats that spread the plague. Plot to kill him, worry that he was too nice to Catholics, etc. Converted to Roman Catholicism on deathbed.

Glorious Revolution James II, the second son of Charles I (younger brother of Charles II) becomes king after Charles II dies. Parliament fears he’s trying to be absolute ruler, and that he’s pro-Catholic. Has two protestant kids from first wife (Mary and Anne), but then Catholic kid with 2 nd wife, and Parliament freaks out.

Glorious Revolution Parliament freaks out that English throne will become Catholic! Requests oldest daughter, protestant Mary, to take over and for her husband William (James’ son-in-law!) to bring an army from the Netherlands. James quits (abdicates) 1688: William and Mary

Glorious Revolution Also known as the Bloodless Revolution because power changed hands without war

William and Mary Increased parliament’s power English Bill of Rights-limited the monarch’s power