Absolutism England The Monarchy Loses its Grip I

Absolutism: England The Monarchy Loses its Grip

I. Monarchs vs. Parliament • James I (Stuart): “I will not be content that my power be disputed upon. ” • dissolved Parliament, collected taxes on his own, against the Puritans • Charles I: imprisoned foes w/o charges or trials, signed Petition of Right but ignored it (King couldn’t raise taxes w/o Parliament) • Ruled w/o Parliament for 11 years but needed their help to raise $ to put down rebellion • Long Parliament: didn’t disband, tried the King’s chief ministers & executed them

Charles I of England

II. English Civil War • Charles I sent troops to arrest radicals • Parliament responded and built its own army • Cavaliers vs. Roundheads • Charles II fights back

• Roundheads led by Oliver Cromwell, organized the New Model Army • Defeated the Cavaliers and captured King Charles I • Set up a court, trial and executed him as “a tyrant, traitor, murderer, and public enemy” • Sent shock waves through Europe, no ruler in England could claim absolute power

• monarchy abolished; Commonwealth established based on Puritan principles • Rule of saints, closed theatres, taverns, gambling, no dancing, must attend church on Sunday, Did expand education • Cromwell died and people were tired of strict laws and military rule Puritan Justice Oliver Cromwell

III. Restoration & Glorious Revolution • Charles II was welcomed back & adored, opened taverns etc. , accepted the Petition of Right • James II flaunted Catholic faith, battled with Parliament • Parliament asked William & Mary to take over, James II fled (Glorious Revolution) • Had to accept English Bill of Rights, habeas corpus, Toleration Act, trial by jury, Commons had power of the purse • Britain is a Constitutional or Limited Monarchy • http: //en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Bill_of_Rights_1689