The Rise of Parliament
Elizabeth I was very good at managing Parliament making both its houses to agree with her decisions without much problem.
Elizabeth was a very skilled ruler.
In due course Parliament became more and more Protestant in its ways.
Kind James I and Charles I, his son, were not as good politicians and they believed in the "Divine Right of Kings" (the idea that kings were appointed to rule by God).
They both cared very little about Parliaments opinion or approval.
Charles I did the same like his father and when he could not persuade Parliament to his foreign and religious stances, he wanted to rule without Parliament for 11 years.
Charles was able to collect money he needed but when situation in Scotland became serious (unrest), king finally decided to ask Parliament's opinion.
The Beginning of English Civil War
Charles I was kin on making religious ceremonies of Church of England more elaborate and introduced new version of Prayer Book.
He tried to force Presbyterian Church in Scotland to accept new Prayer Book.
It cause a serious unrest among Scots and formation of Scottish army.
King had no means to pay his own soldiers to fight for him so he decided to ask Parliament for funds.
Parliament was recalled in 1640.
Many Parliament memers were Puritans who advocated doctrines of strict simplicity in worship and in religious doctrine.
Naturally their ideas was clashing with kings and they disliked his ideas of reforming Church of England.
Parliament refused to give Charles funds he needed, even after Scottish army invaded England.
To make situation even worse, the new rebelion broke in Ireland because Catholics were afraid of Puritans' influence.
Parliament demanded right to take control over the English army- action which would weaken the power of the king.
Charles entered the House of Commons to arest leaders of Parliament (five men) but they were not there (they were warned not to come and since that day no other king ever enetered House
of Commons since that day).
Civil War was inevitable and it started in 1642.
Country was divided between supporters of the monarch (the Cavaliers) and the Parliament (the Roundheads).
Oliver Cromwell and the English Republic
King’s army was defeated at the Battle of Marston Moore & Naseby.
War was won by Parliament side by year 1646.
Charles I became a prisoner of Parliament’s army but he refused to reach an agreement with his enemies.
In 1649 the king was executed.
England became a republic called “Commonwealth”.
There was no king so there were questions raised how the country should be governed.
England was controlled by Parliament army.
One of its generals was Oliver Cromwell, who lead this troops against Irish Catholics’ revolt which started in 1641.
There was still a Royalist army there.
Cromwell successfully established the authority of Parliament in Ireland but his methods were so very cruel he is still remembered there as very controversial person.
Scots did not agree to the execution of king Charles I & they crowned his son, Charles II.
Charles II led Sottish army to England but he was defeated in battles of Dunbar & Worcester.
Charles II escaped after Worcester battle to Europe.
Whole England, Scotland and Wales were now controlled by Parliament & Cromwell became the leader of new republic.
He received title of Lord Protector and ruled until year 1658 when he died.
His son Richard became new Lord Protector but he was not able to control neither army or government.
Republic continued 11 years after Oliver Cromwell’s death but because there was no competent person to govern the country, people started to talk about necessity of having a new king.
There are more information in this chapter, more names and dates to remember. I think it would be good to read these paragraphs at least one more time.
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