1. The Age of Absolutism: Parliament triumphs in England.
James I
Ruled after Queen Elizabeth I
Was the first Stuart Monarch
Ruled for 22 years – from 1603 until his death at the age of 58

2. King James I
Repeatedly clashed with Parliament over $ and foreign policy
Clashed with dissenters (Puritans)
King James Bible, completed in 1611, was named after him

3. King James I
“The state of Monarchy is the supremest thing upon earth; for kings are not only God’s lieutenants upon earth and sit upon God’s throne, but even by God himself they are called gods…Kings are justly called gods for that they exercise a manner or resemblance of Divine power upon earth…And to the King is due both the affection of the soul and the service of the body of his subjects…”

4. Dissenter
Protestant whose views and opinions differed from those of the Church of England.

5. Puritans
Religious group who sought to “purify” the Church of England of Catholic practices.
Called for simpler services and a more democratic church without bishops.
King James I rejected their demands, voting to “harry them out of this land or else do worse.”
Many came to America.

6. Charles I In 1625, he inherits the throne.
Like his father, he behaved like an absolute monarch.
He imprisoned his foes without trial and squeezed the nation for money.

7. Charles I
Often ruled without Parliament – dissolved it in 1629 & ruled for 11 years without
Eventually Parliament established a court, put him on trial, and condemned him to death as a tyrant, traitor, murderer, and public enemy.”
Killed in 1649 – first time a European monarch was executed by his own people!

8. Oliver Cromwell A Puritan
A skilled general as a leader of the Roundheads during the English Civil War, 1642 – 1651.
Defeated the Cavaliers.
Led England from 1649 – 1658 when he died.

9. Be sure to note…
England’s “Kingless decade ended with the Restoration, or return of the monarchy.
A newly elected Parliament invited Charles II to return from exile to rule!

10. English Bill of Rights
Series of acts passed by the English Parliament in 1689 that limited the rights of the monarchy and ensured the superiority of Parliament over the monarchy.
William and Mary had to accept this before being crowned.

11. Limited Monarchy
Government where a constitution or legislative body limits the monarch’s powers. NOT AN ABSOLUTE MONARCHY!
Result of “The Glorious Revolution”

12. Constitutional Government
Government whose power in defined and limited by law.