The English Civil War

Queen Elizabeth I dies, which ends the Tudor dynasty

Since Elizabeth has no heirs, her cousin(ish) James VI takes the throne of England

James VI and I

James VI

• From Scotland
• Wanted absolute power
• Did not get along well with Parliament
• Not a popular King

Religion in England

• Still Anglican, still hated Catholics
• "Puritans" wanted to "purify" Anglican Church (get rid of the rest of Catholic symbolism); there were many Puritans in Parliament at the time
• King James refused to make changes to church; makes enemies on all sides
• Creates King James Bible; only one that could be used

However, James I still continues colonization, and allows many "separatists" to start new colonies

Untitled Slide

The Gunpowder Plot

Group of 13 (Catholic) men wanted to fight back against persecution

They secure almost 40 barrels of gunpowder, to blow up parliament and King James

Lords discover the gunpowder barrels, and one loan plotter Guy Fawkes, before could light the fuses

Guy Fawkes was tortured and executed for treason; but this plot helped increase James I popularity

The Gunpowder plot helped unite Protestants against Catholics, and re-instill loyalty to the throne

November 5th is still celebrated as "Bonfire Night"or "Guy Fawkes Night"

Charles I

Charles I

• James I's son; also very unpopular
• needed money for foreign wars; did not get along with Parliament
• Decides to "dissolve" Parliament and rule alone for over 10 years
• Negates Magna Carta

Magna Carta (review)

• Signed in 1215
• Established that the sovereign (king or queen) is subject to "rule of law" (i.e. they are not above the law)

Englishmen were fearful their rights (Common Law practices) would be in danger; began to challenge Charles I

Petition of Rights

Petition of Rights

• Written by Parliament
• Challenged the idea of Divine Right
• No taxation without consent
• No martial law

King Charles did not care

This starts the English Civil War!