Crash Course: European History Study Notes

The Rise of Absolutism in the Seventeenth Century

• Introduction to Absolutism

  • John Green introduces the topic of absolutism as a prevalent political ideology in the seventeenth century across Europe.

  • Focuses on King James VI of Scotland who became James I of England after Elizabeth's death in 1603.

  • James I’s contemplation of the Divine Right of Kings, a principle asserting the monarch's absolute power directly derived from God.

• Diversity in the British Isles

  • Upon inheriting the British throne, James aspired for the unity of Wales, England, Scotland, and Ireland despite high levels of religious, ethnic, and economic diversity.

  • Religious factions included:

  • Calvinists (called Presbyterians in Scotland)

  • Catholics

  • Anglicans

  • Ethnic identity marked by strong Scottish nationalism exemplified by cultural interactions, as noted in Green's personal anecdote about a Scottish bar.

• James's Political Moves

  • James' desire to unify the kingdoms prompted his adoption of the title King of Great Britain.

  • Implementation of English laws across the kingdoms and promotion of Anglicanism.

  • Charles' marriage to Henrietta Maria, a Catholic, set tensions high since she refused to convert to Anglicanism, making her a target for opposition.

• Charles I and Absolutist Beliefs

  • Charles I ascended the throne in 1625, firmly believing in the Divine Right of Kings.

  • Support from nobility and half of the gentry, opposed by the other half of the gentry, less powerful farmers, and merchant classes advocating for more power through Parliament.

  • Charles's actions reflecting absolutism, particularly his interpretation of the Petition of Right in 1628, establishing that he needed Parliament’s permission to raise taxes; however, he ignored this agreement.

• The Role of Puritans and Scots

  • The Puritans resisted Archbishop William Laud's attempts to bring them back to Anglican orthodoxy through torture and punishment.

  • Laund's policies incited riots in Scotland over the Prayer Book, leading to resistance escalating to the Scottish invasion of England.

The English Civil War

• Parliament's Response

  • After a long absence, Parliament was called by Charles in response to the Scottish invasion to declare war.

  • Parliament removed Laud, instituted laws requiring Parliament to meet every three years, and imposed limitations on Charles's power.

• Civil War Outbreak

  • Tension peaked when Charles attempted to arrest parliamentary members, leading to civil war (1642-1646) between:

  • Cavaliers: Loyal to the king

  • Roundheads: Loyal to Parliament, led by Oliver Cromwell and the New Model Army.

  • A significant religious unification among the Parliamentary factions occurred, leading to the capture and execution of Charles I in 1649.

• The Context of War and Famine

  • The sociopolitical landscape was affected by the Little Ice Age, leading to famine and a significant death toll (45,000 from bubonic plague in London from 1625-1636).

  • Death rates during this period exceeded those of both World Wars combined.

The Commonwealth under Cromwell

• Establishing the Republic

  • With Charles I's execution, England transitioned into a republic under Oliver Cromwell, although characterized by dictatorial rule.

  • Cromwell's enforcement of Puritan orthodoxy led to further factional disputes, particularly with Catholics in Ireland.

• Decline of Cromwell's Rule

  • Cromwell's inability to maintain unity within his army and government after his consolidation of power.

  • Cromwell’s death in 1658 led to political instability prompting Parliament’s invitation to Charles II.

Restoration and Crisis

• Restoration of Charles II

  • Charles II’s reign began with the Restoration, marked by renewal and continuous challenges from social disorder, including plague outbreaks and the Great Fire of London in 1666.

  • The sectarian nature of public memorials highlighted ongoing religious tensions, exhibiting biases against Catholics despite Ignorance of the actual causes of events.

• Charles II’s Policies

  • With a Catholic mother, Charles II's inclination towards leniency for Catholics led to the Test Act of 1673, restricting government positions to Anglicans only.

Transition to Constitutional Government

• The Glorious Revolution (1688-1689)

  • The rising danger posed by James II, who had a Catholic heir, prompted Parliament to override him by summoning Mary (his daughter) and William III as monarchs.

  • The establishment of the Bill of Rights mandated parliamentary consent for monarch decrees, similar to later American rights documents.

• Influence of Political Theorists

  • Thomas Hobbes: Advocated for absolute power in his work Leviathan, arguing that without governance lives were "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” Absolute rule was seen as providing security at the cost of personal liberties.

  • John Locke: Presented a contrasting, optimistic view of government in Two Treatises of Government, advocating for natural rights and equal governance founded on the consent of the governed.

  • Locke’s ideologies significantly influenced classical liberalism and are reflected in contemporary human rights discussions.

Conclusion - Legacy and Implications

• Reflection on Human Rights

  • The concept of human rights is constructed within social and political frameworks and influences societal functioning.

  • The historical context and evolving political theories fostered ongoing debates about governance, liberties, and human rights from the seventeenth century to the modern era.

• Looking Ahead

  • Future episodes will cover the Dutch variant of constitutional government amidst various historical events, reinforcing that history encompasses both enlightenment and darker themes.