Monarchy: The Trial of King Charles I – Study Summary

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the trial of King Charles I and the surrounding historical context.

Monarchy

A form of government with a king or queen at the head.

King Charles I

King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 to 1649, who believed in the Divine Right of Kings.

Divine Right

The belief that monarchs are chosen by God and should not be challenged.

English Civil War

Conflict between Royalists and Parliamentarians over governance and royal authority.

Royalists

Supporters of King Charles I during the English Civil War.

Parliamentarians

Those who wanted limits on royal power and supported the Parliament.

Trial of King Charles I

Trial held in January 1649 where Charles was charged with treason.

Treason

The betrayal of one's country, specifically waging war against one's own people.

Regicide

The act of killing a king, specifically the execution of Charles I.

High Court of Justice

The court created by Parliament to try King Charles I.

John Bradshaw

The president of the trial of King Charles I.

Oliver Cromwell

Key figure who supported the trial and led the Commonwealth afterwards.

Execution of Charles I

Public beheading on January 30, 1649, marking the first legal execution of a monarch by his people.

Commonwealth

A period in England (1649-1660) when the monarchy was abolished and governed as a republic.

Charles II

Son of Charles I; restored the monarchy in 1660.