English Civil War and the Reign of Charles I

Study Notes

Charles I believed in the divine right of kings – absolute power granted by God.
Parliament believed in the King's authority being limited by law.
Charles dissolved Parliament in 1629 after clashes over policies and finances.
He attempted to rule without Parliament for 11 years, utilizing "ship money" tax for funding.

Dissatisfaction with Charles I's rule grew due to perceived abuses of power.
He appointed the unpopular Duke of Buckingham to leadership positions despite failures.
The Duke of Buckingham's failed expedition against the Spanish at Cadiz led to accusations of corruption and inefficiency.
Charles' refusal to criticize Buckingham furthered the tension with Parliament.

Charles appointed William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, a staunch supporter of the Church of England.
Laud's policies, enforcing uniformity and rituals, alienated Puritan factions who favored simpler worship.
This caused widespread discontent, particularly in Scotland, where Presbyterianism held sway.

Scottish Presbyterians revolted in 1637 against Laud's attempts to impose the English prayer book.
This rebellion threatened Charles's authority and forced him to summon Parliament in 1640 for funding and support.
Parliament, emboldened by the Scottish crisis, seized the opportunity to assert its power and criticize the King's policies.
Parliament demanded concessions regarding religious policies and governance before agreeing to pay Charles's expenses.

Charles attempted to negotiate with Parliament but faced stiff resistance.
The Parliament's "Grand Remonstrance" condemned Charles's rule and proposed numerous reforms.
The King's attempt to arrest five Members of Parliament in January 1642, deemed a breach of parliamentary privilege, escalated the conflict.
Charles's actions were seen as an attack on parliamentary autonomy and further fueled the political divide.
Charles raised his royal standard in August 1642, marking the official start of the English Civil War.