Charles I's attempt at absolute rule

Definition

Charles I's attempt at absolute rule refers to the efforts made by the English king to establish and maintain unchallenged power over his kingdom during the early 17th century. This period was marked by his conflicts with Parliament, which ultimately led to a series of political struggles that highlighted the tensions between monarchy and parliamentary authority. His insistence on governing without Parliament and imposing taxes without its consent played a significant role in escalating these conflicts, eventually leading to the English Civil War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Charles I ruled from 1625 until his execution in 1649, during which he attempted to impose absolute rule against significant opposition.
2. His belief in the Divine Right of Kings fueled his conflicts with Parliament, as he saw their challenges to his authority as direct attacks on his divinely ordained power.
3. Charles I's attempts to raise revenue without Parliament led to widespread discontent and resistance, particularly through mechanisms like ship money, which taxed coastal towns for naval defense.
4. The tensions between Charles I and Parliament escalated into the English Civil War, where his forces were ultimately defeated by the Parliamentarian army led by Oliver Cromwell.
5. Charles I's trial and execution in 1649 marked a pivotal moment in English history, representing the rejection of absolute monarchy and the rise of republicanism in England.

Review Questions

• How did Charles I's belief in the Divine Right of Kings influence his relationship with Parliament?
  • Charles I's strong belief in the Divine Right of Kings led him to view himself as answerable only to God, which made him dismissive of Parliamentary authority. This belief fueled his determination to rule without Parliamentary consent, causing significant friction between him and Parliament. As he attempted to assert his absolute rule, it ultimately backfired, contributing to increased tensions that culminated in the English Civil War.
• Discuss the impact of Charles I's financial policies on his attempt at absolute rule and the subsequent conflict with Parliament.
  • Charles I's financial policies, especially his attempts to levy taxes like ship money without Parliamentary approval, were critical in undermining his efforts at absolute rule. These actions caused resentment among both commoners and members of Parliament, who felt their rights were being infringed upon. The resulting financial strain and public outcry over these policies significantly weakened his position and fueled the fire for political opposition that led to civil unrest.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Charles I's attempt at absolute rule on the development of constitutional monarchy in England.
  • Charles I's attempt at absolute rule had profound long-term effects on the evolution of constitutional monarchy in England. His conflicts with Parliament not only led to his downfall but also set a precedent for limiting royal power through legislation and establishing the principle that monarchs are subject to law. After his execution, the temporary abolition of the monarchy during the Commonwealth era underscored the need for a balance between royal authority and parliamentary governance, ultimately paving the way for a constitutional framework that would emerge in later years.

Related terms

Divine Right of Kings: The doctrine that kings derive their authority from God, not from their subjects, emphasizing that monarchs are accountable only to God.

English Civil War: A series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists in England from 1642 to 1651, primarily over governance and authority.

Long Parliament: The English Parliament that was convened in 1640 and lasted until 1660, known for challenging Charles I's authority and passing significant legislation that curtailed royal power.