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The Civil Wars, the execution of Charles I and Cromwell
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In the 1640s king and Parliament went to war. England executed its king and, for a few years, had no monarch at all.
Why war?
James VI of Scotland became James I of England in 1603, joining the crowns. His son Charles I became king in 1625.
Charles believed in the Divine Right of Kings: that God chose kings, so they answered only to God.
He ruled without Parliament from 1629 to 1640, raised money in unpopular ways such as Ship Money, and his religious changes worried Protestants, especially Puritans.
In 1642 he tried to arrest five MPs in Parliament. War began that year.
Charles believed in the Divine Right of Kings: that God chose kings, so they answered only to God.
He ruled without Parliament from 1629 to 1640, raised money in unpopular ways such as Ship Money, and his religious changes worried Protestants, especially Puritans.
In 1642 he tried to arrest five MPs in Parliament. War began that year.
War and execution
Royalists (Cavaliers) fought for the king; Parliamentarians (Roundheads) fought for Parliament.
Parliament's New Model Army won the key Battle of Naseby in 1645.
Charles was put on trial for treason. He was executed in London on 30 January 1649.
The fighting also involved Scotland and Ireland, so historians often speak of the wars of the three kingdoms.
Parliament's New Model Army won the key Battle of Naseby in 1645.
Charles was put on trial for treason. He was executed in London on 30 January 1649.
The fighting also involved Scotland and Ireland, so historians often speak of the wars of the three kingdoms.
Cromwell and the Restoration
England became a republic (a country without a monarch), the Commonwealth.
Oliver Cromwell became Lord Protector in 1653. Puritan rules closed theatres and discouraged Christmas celebrations.
Cromwell died in 1658. In 1660 Charles I's son returned as Charles II. This is the Restoration.
Oliver Cromwell became Lord Protector in 1653. Puritan rules closed theatres and discouraged Christmas celebrations.
Cromwell died in 1658. In 1660 Charles I's son returned as Charles II. This is the Restoration.
Explain one cause of the English Civil War.
- Choose a cause: money.
- Charles raised Ship Money without Parliament's agreement during his personal rule.
- MPs saw this as a threat to Parliament's right to agree taxes, so trust broke down.
Answer: For example: Charles raised taxes like Ship Money without Parliament, so MPs feared he was ruling as a tyrant.
Causes: Divine Right, personal rule (1629 to 1640), Ship Money, religious fears. War began 1642; Naseby 1645; Charles I executed 30 January 1649. Cromwell was Lord Protector from 1653; the Restoration brought back Charles II in 1660.
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