The English Civil WarThe English Civil War

Cavaliers vs Roundheads

Organization of English Govt.

House of

Commons

Relationship between monarchs and Parliament

Parliament’s Job: approve new taxes, pass laws proposed by the king / queen and advise the monarch

Monarch had more power than Parliament. Named officials, judges, summoned parliament, dismissed parliament, conducted foreign policy, ran the Church of England

Parliament

House of Lords – Nobles who served in Parliament for life. Not elected.

House of Commons – Wealthy landowners. Elected. (represented the common people)

England's Political / Economic Problems

English Monarchs like James I and Charles I had to deal with– Problems with Puritans who did not want to be

part of England’s Church– Debts accrued from wars with Spain

English Civil War

English Civil War 1642-1649 – England tries to impose Anglican Church on

Scotland. Scottish rebel. – Charles calls Parliament for money. – They only agree to help if Charles gives them things

such as: Eliminating Noble Courts (courts with no jury).

– King and Parliament at odds. – King leads troops to arrest members of Parliament.

Parliament raises troops against the king.

Those rotten Scottish will pray at my

church or else!

Those rotten Scottish will pray at my

church or else!

Come and get us!!

Run Away!!!

This isn’t going to be as easy as

I thought.

Maybe we should try

that

Can you float me some cash??

Charles, you are an idiot!

We’ll take care of this!

No Way!! It’s MY Army!!

Knock it off, you sound like a baby Tyrant

I’m bringing my army to arrest you

Oh Yeah? Well, we’ll just get our

OWN Army!

THIS MEANS WAR!!

THIS MEANS WAR!!

Oliver Cromwell

Chief “Roundhead” Puritan Leads Roundhead

Army against Charles Wins Becomes “Lord

Protector”

Charles I

Charles I

Life With Cromwell

Strong ruler – though not well liked– Puritanical rule – bans books, papers,

swearing, working on Sunday etc When he dies, English want a king back

– Ask Charles II (son of the beheaded one) to come back to England and rule

Parliament’s Development

Whigs – Support Parliament. Fiercely anti Catholic

Torries – Supported king and Anglican Church

Changes in English Government

Habeus Corpus – can not be arrested for nothing. Must be given trial

English Bill of Rights– Ruler subject to law– Commoners have rights– Ruler can not impose taxes without Parliament– Free speech to Parliament– No unusual punishment, unusual bail

Power of Parliament

Parliament gains power over years Ruler must have a Cabinet of ministers from

among parliament leaders Parliament elects a Prime Minister

– Position intended to be chief aide to the king– Gains power over time to become the “president” of

Britain. Leader of government.– King / Queen will eventually become a more

ceremonial role