Stuart king

Definition

The Stuart kings were a dynasty that ruled England, Scotland, and Ireland from the late 16th century until the 18th century, known for their attempts at absolute monarchy and conflicts with Parliament. This period included significant events like the English Civil War, which showcased the struggle between royal authority and parliamentary power.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. James I was the first Stuart king of England, uniting the crowns of England and Scotland in 1603 after the death of Elizabeth I.
2. Charles I, his son, believed in the Divine Right of Kings, leading to his conflict with Parliament and ultimately his execution in 1649.
3. The Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 brought Charles II back to power after a period of republican rule under Oliver Cromwell.
4. The reign of James II ended with the Glorious Revolution in 1688 due to his attempts to promote Catholicism and centralize power, which alarmed Protestants.
5. The Bill of Rights in 1689 was established after the Glorious Revolution, which limited the powers of the monarchy and laid the foundation for a constitutional monarchy in England.

Review Questions

• How did the belief in the Divine Right of Kings influence the policies and actions of Stuart kings?
  • The belief in the Divine Right of Kings significantly influenced Stuart kings by leading them to pursue policies that centralized power and minimized parliamentary authority. For instance, James I and Charles I often ignored or bypassed Parliament when implementing taxes or laws, believing their authority came directly from God rather than being granted by their subjects. This created deep tensions between the monarchy and Parliament, ultimately culminating in events like the English Civil War.
• Discuss how the English Civil War exemplified the conflict between Stuart kings and Parliament.
  • The English Civil War exemplified the ongoing struggle between Stuart kings and Parliament over political power and governance. Charles I's refusal to cooperate with Parliament on issues like taxation led to growing resentment among members. The war saw Royalists fighting for kingly authority while Parliamentarians sought to limit royal power, ultimately resulting in Charles I's execution and a temporary shift towards republican governance under Oliver Cromwell.
• Evaluate the impact of the Glorious Revolution on the future governance of England concerning the Stuart dynasty.
  • The Glorious Revolution had a profound impact on England's governance by effectively ending absolute monarchy as practiced by the Stuart kings. With William and Mary ascending to the throne, it established a constitutional monarchy where Parliament gained more power, including control over taxation and legislation. This shift not only curtailed royal prerogative but also set a precedent for future monarchs, ensuring that they would govern alongside an empowered Parliament rather than as absolute rulers.

Related terms

Divine Right of Kings: The political doctrine that kings derive their authority from God and are not accountable to their subjects, often used by Stuart kings to justify their absolute rule.

English Civil War: A series of conflicts from 1642 to 1651 between Parliamentarians and Royalists, primarily over the governance of England and the power of the king.

Glorious Revolution: The bloodless coup in 1688 that resulted in William and Mary ascending to the throne, marking a shift towards constitutional monarchy and limiting the powers of the Stuart kings.