Review of English Revolution and Monarchical Systems

Absolutism

  • Definition: A political system where a monarch holds total authority over the government and the lives of the citizens.

  • Characteristics of Absolutism:

    • Uses armies to expand or consolidate borders under the ruler's control.

    • Enforces divine right of kings, meaning the ruler's authority comes directly from God.

    • Limits or controls the power of nobles to centralize authority.

    • Controls religious authorities to maintain power and influence.

    • Circumvents, ignores, or uses assemblies merely to rubber-stamp rulings and initiatives instead of genuinely consulting them.

    • Makes laws unilaterally, dispensing justice as seen fit.

Challenge to Divine Right: The English Revolution

  • Significant moment: The execution of Charles I marked a turning point in the struggle between monarchy and parliamentary governance.

Significance of the English Revolution

  • Marks the transition from near Absolute Monarchy to a Constitutional Monarchy.

    • Absolute Monarchy:

    • A system where a king or queen holds full power over the nation.

    • Constitutional Monarchy:

    • A system of government where the monarch's powers are limited by a constitution, ensuring recurring checks on their authority.

Key Figures in English Monarchy

Elizabeth I (1558 – 1603)

  • Part of the Tudor Dynasty.

  • Notable achievements:

    • Helped resolve religious conflict between Catholics and Protestants.

    • Maintained a strong relationship with Parliament.

    • Known as the “Virgin Queen,” as she remained unmarried and had no children.

Tudor Dynasty

  • Key Personalities:

    • Henry VII of England

    • Married Elizabeth of York.

    • Their children include Arthur (Prince of Wales) married to Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I.

    • Additional marriages influenced alliances:

    • James IV of Scotland with Margaret Tudor.

    • Mary Tudor married to Louis XII of France.

    • Mary of Scots involved with Henry Stuart and James Hepburn.

Stuart Dynasty

James I (1603 -1625)

  • Origin: Scotland, a place with less tradition of parliamentary power.

  • Strong believer in the concept of Divine Right, leading to strained relations with Parliament.

The Gunpowder Plot

  • Date: 1605

  • Plot: Guy Fawkes and associates attempted to blow up the House of Parliament to kill James I.

    • Exposed when Fawkes was found guarding gunpowder barrels.

    • Consequence: Arrested, tortured, and sentenced to death for treason.

    • Associated with Guy Fawkes Day celebrated on November 5th.

Charles I (1625 -1649)

  • Son of James I.

  • Continued his father's policies leading to conflicts with Parliament.

  • Financial struggles necessitated Parliament's consent for taxes, which heightened tensions.

Conflicts with Parliament

  • Characteristics of Charles's rule:

    • Belief in divine right of kings.

    • Unpopular foreign policy decisions.

    • Persecution of Puritans.

    • Excessive taxation on the middle class.

    • Violations of civil rights and raising funds without parliamentary approval.

The Petition of Rights

  • Response from Parliament: dissatisfaction with Charles’s rule without their involvement.

  • Significance: Document aimed at limiting the king's powers and bolstering parliamentary power.

  • Acceptance: Charles I accepted it for funds but later dissolved Parliament, disregarding the Petition.

Civil War (1642 -1649)

  • Conflict: Between supporters of Charles I (Cavaliers) and supporters of Parliament (Roundheads).

  • Outcome: Parliament won, leading to significant political changes.

Execution of Charles I

  • Year: 1649

  • Event: Charles was put on trial for treason against Parliament, found guilty, and executed.

  • Noteworthy: This was a landmark moment as a reigning monarch faced a public trial and execution.

    • Result: The end of the monarchy's authority in England for a time.

Commonwealth

  • Post-execution governance: Transition to a Commonwealth; absolute rule eliminated.

  • Oliver Cromwell: Assumed dictatorial power, ruled as Lord Protector.

  • Impact: Dissatisfaction with Cromwell’s rule led to the monarchy's restoration after his death.

The Restoration

  • Charles II’s return: Invited to reinstate monarchy, agreeing to cooperate with Parliament.

  • Result: Establishment of a Constitutional Monarchy in England.

James II

  • Governance: Followed absolutist principles, angered Parliament by pushing for Catholic reinstatement.

  • Birth of his son raised concerns about a potential Catholic dynasty, reinforcing tensions.

Glorious Revolution (1688-89)

  • Transition: Parliament offered the crown to William of Orange and Mary, daughter of James II.

  • Results: James II fled, enabling William and Mary to rule under constitutional regulation (English Bill of Rights).

  • Act of Settlement: Prevented any Catholic from inheriting the throne.

English Bill of Rights (1689)

  • Purpose: Resolved major issues between the King and Parliament.

  • Influence: Served as a model for the U.S. Bill of Rights.

  • Significance: Laid groundwork for the unfolding expansion of civil liberties in England through the 18th and early 19th centuries.

The Enlightenment (1600s -1700s)

  • Also known as the Age of Reason.

  • Characteristics: Emphasis on reason and rationality to understand and organize society, exploring laws governing human behavior and political philosophy.

  • Impact: Heavily influenced the development of the United States and its Constitution.

  • Key figures: Philosophers such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Montesquieu challenged traditional ideas of governance and advocated for individual rights and separation of powers.