England: The Decline of

1
England The Decline of Absolutism and the
English Civil War

• Unit 2 - Day 7

2
A Short History of Parliament

• Question What is Parliament?

Westminster Palace Home to Parliament since 1295
3
A Short History of Parliament
Middle Ages Before Parliament, Kings Council of
Nobles and Clergy called to advise on important
matters 1215 After a revolt of Barons, King John
signs Magna Carta establishes a Great Council
of nobles who must approve important measures
such as taxes 1295 Edward I invites not just
nobles but also 2 knights from each shire (rural
district) and 2 burghers from each town to act as
representatives at the Model Parliament 1341
Parliament splits into Upper Chamber (nobles and
clergy) and Lower Chamber (knights and burghers)
after 1544 known as House of Lords and House of
Commons 1341-1628 Parliament meets irregularly,
when called by king or queen. Usually called to
approve measures (esp. taxes), but can also
propose legislation. - At the same time, when
called by the monarch Parliament has an
opportunity to voice its discontent, and does
occasionally fail to approve taxes or issue
reciprocal demands - During this period, Commons
becomes very powerful 1629-1640 Charles I
dissolves Parliament for 11 years 1640- Wars in
Scotland force Charles to call Parliament to
grant taxes 1640-1660 Long Parliament meets
4
The Causes of the English Civil War

• Question Why does Absolutism fail in England
  when it succeeds in France and Russia?

The Stuart Monarchs James I (left) and Charles I
(right)
5
Roundheads and Cavaliers
In the aftermath of the recall of Parliament,
England splits into two warring factions.
Royalist Army
Parliamentary Army

• Formed after Parliament refuses to fund the
  formation of an army to put down rebellion in
  Scotland and Ireland
• Made up of nobles, some rural gentry, mercenaries
• Referred to themselves as cavaliers

• Created in response to Royalist Army
• Made up of militia of London, members of rural
  gentry with business connections, Puritans
  upset by attempts to make Anglican Church more
  Catholic
• Referred to by the Royalists as roundheads
  after the short hairstyles favored by Puritans

6
Civil War or Revolution?

• Some historians prefer the term English
  Revolution to English Civil war, what reasons
  might they have for preferring this term?
• Which do you believe is more appropriate?

7
Interregnum From Commonwealth to Protectorate

• Question Who was Oliver Cromwell?

The New Model Army at the Battle of Nasby
Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector 1653-1658