Englsih constitutional monarchy

England in the 17th Century

• Period marked by the transformation towards a constitutional monarchy.

Overview of Major Events

• 1603: Elizabeth I dies without an heir, marking the end of the Tudor dynasty.

  • Execution of niece, Mary Stuart.

  • Stuart dynasty begins with her son, James VI of Scotland, who becomes James I of England (1603-1625).

  • Personal union with Scotland occurs.

Key Figures and Events

Guy Fawkes and the Conspirators

• Notable figure in the Gunpowder Plot against Parliament.

• A contemporary print shows Fawkes and notable conspirators: Christopher Wright, Thomas Winter, Percy Wellesley, Catesby, and others.

Reign of Charles I (1625-1649)

• Attempted to rule without Parliament which led to internal conflicts with Puritans.

  • Puritans: English Calvinists aiming to purify the Church by rejecting bishops and hierarchies.

• Taxation issues: need for Parliament's consent for taxes.

  • 1628: Calls Parliament but faces resistance; issues the Petition of Right, strengthening parliamentary privileges.

Political and Economic Challenges

• Financial difficulties lead to a war with Scotland.

• 1640: Short Parliament (spring) convened, but Charles dissolves it due to their demands.

• Long Parliament (autumn 1640 lasting until 1653) emerges, demanding accountability and religious freedom.

English Civil War (1642-1651)

• Conflict between Royalists (Cavaliers) and Parliamentarians (Roundheads).

  • Roundheads: Wealthier, experienced, urban-based.

  • Cavaliers: Supporters of the monarchy.

• Key Battles:

  • Adwalton Moor 1643: Royalist victory.

  • Marston Moor 1644: Another Royalist win.

  • Naseby 1645: Parliamentarians secure a strong victory.

Aftermath of the Civil War

Oliver Cromwell and the Commonwealth

• 1649: Charles I is captured, tried, and executed for treason, leading to Republican rule.

• Cromwell's rule characterized by military dictatorship and suppression of moderate Parliamentarians and radical Levellers.

• Establishment of the Rump Parliament.

Puritan Society under Cromwell

• Strict regulations: theatre, music, and public singing are banned.

• 1651: Navigation Act passed, mandating that ships to England carry only domestic products.

The Stuart Restoration

• Followed Cromwell's rule, initiating the reign of Charles II (1660-1685) and then James II (1685-1689).

• Monarchs attempted to reduce the role of Parliament, leading to public discontent, especially towards James II and the emancipation of Catholics.

• Resulted in the Glorious Revolution: James II is removed, and Mary Stuart and William of Orange take the throne (1689-1702).

Bill of Rights (1689)

• Key principles established:

  • Royal authority to suspend laws without Parliament approval deemed illegal.

  • Emphasis on parliamentary consent for levying taxes.

  • Right of subjects to petition the king without fear of prosecution.

  • Protection of free elections and parliamentary proceedings.

• Established civil liberties: freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly.

Emergence of Constitutional Monarchy

• Power shifted from monarchy to Parliament, defining the structure for governance:

  • Monarch's duties: enact laws, call the Parliament yearly, and have veto powers requiring reconsideration if needed.

  • Basis for the modern British constitutional framework.

The Acts of Union

• 1707: Union with Scotland forms Great Britain.

• 1801: Formation of the United Kingdom with the inclusion of Ireland.

Political Parties

• Tory and Whig parties:

  • Tories: Anglican landowners.

  • Whigs: Calvinist urban citizens.

• Prime minister from the majority party is appointed by the monarch.

  • First Prime Minister: Sir Robert Walpole (1721-1742).

Voter Eligibility

• Legislative power vested in Parliament with strict voting criteria:

  • High property and literacy requirements limit suffrage.

  • Open elections prone to corruption due to varied district populations.