The Growth of the Modern English State The English Civil War

Today we will… Learn what caused problems for the Stuart Kings and their English subjects. What were the causes for the English Civil War What caused Parliament to bring back the king after the civil war.

Constitutionalism in England Constitutionalism – is the limitation of government by law. It implies a balance between the power of government and the rights of the subjects. A nation’s constitution may be written or unwritten, but the government must respect it. Constitutional governments may be either republics or monarchies.

STOP!! Fill in Box 1 Now

The Decline of Royal Absolutism in England ( ) The Stuart kings (James I, Charles I) lacked the political wisdom of Elizabeth. James I was devoted to the ideal of Divine Right “I have placed my strengths in the loyal hearts of my subjects.”

James I His absolutism ran counter to English belief. The House of Commons wanted a greater say in the government of the state.

The Protestant Problem of Religion Many English people, called Puritans, were attracted by the values of hard work, thrift, and self-denial implied by Calvinism. The Puritans, who were dissatisfied with the Church of England (Anglicanism was too close to Catholicism) and tried to “purify” it, saw James I as an enemy. Charles I and his Archbishop, Laud, appeared to be pro- Catholic.

STOP!! Fill in Box 2 Now

Problems Between Charles and Parliament Charles I ruled without Parliament for 11 years. A revolt in Scotland over the religious issue forced him to call a new Parliament. Parliament passed an act compelling the King to summon Parliament every three years. It also impeached Archbishop Laud and abolished the House of Lords. Religious differences in Ireland led to a revolt there, but Parliament would not trust Charles with an Army.

STOP!! Fill in Box 3 Now

English Civil War Charles tried to arrest some leading members of Parliament and a war broke out between the two sides. Charles’ supporters were called Cavaliers. Parliaments’ supporters were called Roundheads because of the type of haircut they had.

English Civil War Charles initiated Civil war against Parliament. The Civil War ( ) revolved around the issue of whether sovereignty should reside with the King or Parliament. The problem was not resolved but Charles was executed in 1649.

STOP!! Fill in Box 4 Now

Oliver Cromwell ( ) A leading member of Parliament at the time of the civil war was Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell came from the middle class that dominated the House of Commons. Oliver Cromwell became the leader of the Parliamentary army and called it the New Model Army. His army was disciplined, well- trained, and merciless.

Cromwell and the Protectorate With the execution of Charles I, Kingship was abolished in 1649 and a Commonwealth proclaimed.  A commonwealth is a government without a king whose power rests in Parliament and a council of the state. In fact, the army controlled the government, it wrote a constitution called the Instrument of Government which gave power to Cromwell. Cromwell took the title “Lord Protector”

STOP!! Fill in Box 5 Now

Cromwell Dismissed Parliament Too! Oliver Cromwell found that working with Parliament was as difficult as the king had found it. In 1653, Cromwell ordered troops into the Rump Parliament and dismissed the members. Rump refers to the hind quarters of animal and here it refers to the remnants of the Long Parliament Cromwell then ruled virtually as a dictator until Cromwell dismisses the Long Parliament

Cromwell’s Protectorate Cromwell’s protectorate became a military dictatorship, absolutist and Puritanical.  Cromwell allowed religious toleration for all Christians, except Roman Catholics.  He savagely crushed the revolt in Ireland. He is still a figure of hatred in Ireland, his name being associated with massacre, religious persecution, and mass dispossession of the Catholic community there. A traditional Irish curse was malacht Cromail ort or "the curse of Cromwell upon you".  He censored the press and closed the theatres.  He regulated the economy according to mercantilist policies.  The Navigation Act required English goods to be carried on English ships. This led to a commercial war with the Dutch.

STOP!! Fill in Box 6 Now

Cromwell Dies In 1658, Cromwell dies and is succeeded by his son for two years. His son was a weak ruler and Parliament decides to bring back the monarchy. Parliament felt that Cromwell was worse than any king, so they turn to Charles’ son who was in exile in France. In 1660, the monarchy is restored and Charles II becomes King of England. He will rule England for 25 years. This time period is called the Restoration. Charles II