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The Stuart Monarchy and Its Challenges

Oliver Cromwell rises to power during the interregnum, acting as de facto ruler as lord protector.
The interregnum ends in 1660 with Cromwell's death; parliament invites the Stuarts back to power.

In 1688, disenchantment with the Stuart monarchy leads to the offer of the crown to William and Mary.
This event is termed the Glorious Revolution, marking the triumph of constitutionalism in England.
After this revolution, England transitions to a constitutional monarchy.
Queen Anne becomes the last of the Stewart dynasty, reigning from 1702 to 1714.
In 1707, she oversees the Act of Union, merging Great Britain and Scotland into one nation, making her the first Queen of Great Britain.

Following Elizabeth I's death, the Stuarts try to establish an absolute monarchy, facing financial difficulties requiring new revenue sources.
King James I employs creative and potentially unlawful taxation strategies, including a controversial tax known as ship money.
- Ship money stems from the historical right of kings to levy taxes during emergencies to fight off threats like Viking invasions.
- James attempts to enforce ship money despite the absence of actual threats, leading to conflict with Parliament.

Parliament's origins trace back to medieval times; it evolved gradually rather than emerging on a specific date.
By the 1600s, Parliament comprises two main houses: the House of Lords (nobility) and the House of Commons (wealthy aristocrats).
English nobility historically constrained, with a fixed number of titles that do not expand like in France’s nobility system.
- In England, noble titles are inherited, limiting the number of nobles compared to France where any noble blood grants a title.

Religious tensions arise as the Stuart monarchs are sympathetic to Catholicism, conflicting with the predominantly Protestant nobility.
This friction culminates in the English Civil War (1642-1651), a struggle between royalists (Cavaliers) and Parliamentarians (Roundheads).
- Oliver Cromwell leads the New Model Army (Roundheads) against King Charles I.

The civil war concludes with Charles I’s defeat, trial, and execution for treason, a rare event symbolizing the rejection of the divine right of kings.
Charles faces execution with dignity, conversing with the executioner and offering prayers before his death, marking a significant transition in English governance.
His execution is historically notable as one of the few instances of a king being publicly executed, representing a powerful statement against absolute rule.