Charles I and causes of the English Civil War

· After James died, his son Charles became King Charles I of England. He ruled 1625-1649. Charles was a Protestant, who believed in the Divine Right of Kings, meaning that he though himself appointed by God.

· During Charles’ reign was the English Civil War. A civil war is a war between different sides in the same country.

· This Civil War took place between Charles and his supporters and parliament and their supporters.

· Causes of the English Civil War include:

o Charles was married to Henrietta Maria, who was unpopular because she was Catholic.

o Charles was in lots of debt because of expensive wars against France and Spain. In 1629 Charles dismissed Parliament because they refused to grant him money. This began the 11 years’ tyranny.

o Charles used the Court of Star Chamber to punish people who opposed him. This was unpopular.

o Charles charged Ship Money to the whole country (rather than just coastal counties, as was traditional).

o In 1639 Charles annoyed the Scottish bishops by trying to make their Church more like the English one.

o In 1641 the House of Commons published the Grand Remonstrance. They wanted the king to reduce the power of bishops and only employ ministers whom Parliament approved.

o Parliament refused to grant Charles any more taxes unless he agreed to the execution of his close friend and advisor the Earl of Strafford.

o In January 1642 Charles burst into the House of Commons with 400 soldiers and tried to arrest five MPs.

o In August 1642 Charles raised his royal standard; this was his declaration of war.