English Absolutism under James I and Charles I led to tensions with Parliament over taxation and religious policies. Charles I dissolved Parliament and attempted to rule without it, angering them. This resulted in the English Civil War between the Royalist Cavaliers and the Parliamentarian Roundheads led by Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell defeated the Cavaliers and had Charles I executed. England then became a republic under the Puritan-led Commonwealth before the monarchy was restored with Charles II, though it was now limited by the Petition of Right and Bill of Rights.

1. English Absolutism

2. James IStuart (not a Tudor)King of ScotlandNephew of Elizabeth ISon of Mary StuartInitially agreed to rule according to English law and customsKept Parliament involvedUntil…divine right

3. Tensions with ParliamentDisagreements about moneyLavish lifestyleWarsTaxesDisagreements about foreign policyJames’ solution  dissolve Parliament

4. Religious TensionsThe Puritans wanted:To “purify” the Church of England of Catholic practicesSimpler servicesMore democratic church with no powerful bishopsJames rejected their demandsChased them out of England

5. Charles IInherited the throne from his father, James I (1625)

6. Like his father, he ruled as an absolute monarch

7. Bickered with Parliament

8. Imprisoned enemies without trial

9. Ran the nation into further debtPetition of RightDebt from:Super-luxurious lifestyleWar with FranceNeeded money  called for Parliament to convene Parliament refused to fork over any money until Charles I signed the Petition of Right

10. Petition of RightNo funds could be borrowed or raised through taxes & tariffs without the explicit approval of Parliament

11. Petition of Right2. No free person (Britain had slavery at this time) could be imprisoned without a reason

12. The DealCharles I signed the Petition, thereby agreeing to its terms (and getting his $$)Did Charles have any intention of keeping his word?

13. Dissolution of ParliamentCharles immediately broke his word To avoid a confrontation with Parliament, he dissolved it (would stay dissolved for 12 years)Now on his own…with no funds from Parliament

14. Charles’ Budget CutsMade peace with enemies (peace is cheaper than war)Downsized government administration Innovative tax increasesOne goal in mind rule without Parliament

15. Charles and ReligionMuch like his father, Charlespersecuted the PuritansAllowed the Archbishop of Canterbury (William Laud) to freely take any measures to stifle the Puritans

16. Puritans Under Charles IForbidden to publish or preachScottish Puritans were forced to use the Church of England’s prayer books, rituals, hierarchy, etcRebellion occurred, thus forcing Charles to reconvene Parliament

17. Twelve Years to StewParliament had 12 years to stew and were ready to show Charles no mercyRefused Charles any money until he addressed a very long list of complaintsWhat do you think Charles did??

18. Buh-Bye ParliamentCharles refused their demands and dismissed them (known as “The Short Parliament”)Still, he was without moneyReconvened Parliament again, but this time agreed to their demands

19. Parliament’s DemandsIllegal to raise taxes without Parliament okayWilliam Laud – impeached & executedCharles’ centralized bureaucracy – abolishedLaw that only Parliament could dismiss itselfLaw that Parliament had to meet every 3 years

20. Rebellion in IrelandReligious radicals in Ireland rebelledCharles wanted funds for an army to go inParliament did not trust Charles with an armyProposal from radicals in Parliament – the army should be under Parliament’s control

21. One Angry KingCharles not very happy about thisStormed Parliament with his own armyBold, yet foolish moveParliament issued Militia Ordinance which officially declared the army under Parliament’s controlThe result????

22. The English Civil War

23. Cavaliers & RoundheadsCavaliers = Supporters of King Charles IWealthy noblesWore plumed hatsFashionably long hairWell trained in dueling & warfareExpected a quick win

24. Cavaliers & RoundheadsRoundheads = Supporters of ParliamentCountry gentry, town- dwelling manufacturers, & Puritan clergyCalled Roundheads b/c of their hair styleUnderdogsLeader – Oliver Cromwell

25. Oliver CromwellPuritan, gentry, military geniusOrganized “New Model Army” into a skilled forceDefeated CavaliersBecame “Lord Protectorate” after Civil War

26. The Execution of a KingCharles I was put on trial Found guiltySentenced to death as a “tyrant, traitor, murderer, and public enemy”

27. Life Under Puritan RuleAfter Charles I’s execution, House of Commons abolished :The monarchyThe House of LordsThe Church of England

28. England a Republic?England declared republicNot all agree – Charles II is the heirRebellions broke out (Ireland)Oliver Cromwellcrushed thempersecuted Catholicsexiled Catholics to remote parts of Ireland

29. End of the CommonwealthAfter Cromwell’s death (1658) Puritans lost control of EnglandNew Parliament invited Charles II back as KingCharles II met with cheering crowds

30. Charles IIPopular ruler“Man-crush” on Louis XIV (idolized him)Tolerant of various religionsAccepted Petition of Right (learned from his Daddy’s mistakes!)

31. James IIInherited the throne Brother of Charles II Flaunted his Catholic faithMany feared he would restore Catholicism