Charles I Calls Parliament
History: KS3, topic 10.1.4
Charles I Calls Parliament
In 1640, Charles I called Parliament. Charles I expected Parliament to give him the funds to go to war with Scotland. But Parliament did not do as Charles I wanted.
The aim for Parliament
- Charles I recalled Parliament because he wanted money to fight the Scots.
The Grand Remonstrance
- In 1641, Parliament sent Charles I the Grand Remonstrance.
- This was a list of complaints.
- There were 204 complaints.
- The Grand Remonstrance complained about how Charles I was running England.
- It was believed that Charles I was at the heart of a Catholic conspiracy to destroy Protestantism in England.
Rebellion in Ireland
- During Parliament’s session, news came of a rebellion in Ireland.
- This increased tensions in the country.
Arresting members of Parliament
- In 1642, Charles I attempted to arrest five MPs who were leading the rebellion in Parliament.
- He failed and the MPs escaped.
The 19 Propositions
- In June 1642, Parliament sent Charles I the 19 Propositions.
- These were a set of demands which tried to limit the king’s powers.
- Demands included:
- The power to control the army.
- The power to control judges in court.
- The ability to choose the king’s ministers.
- Charles I rejected the 19 Propositions.
- This rejection is considered the beginning of the Civil War.
Interpretations
- Historians disagree over who is to blame for the Civil War
- Some say that Charles’ tyranny and his decision to arrest the MPs made war inevitable.
- Others say that Parliament was to blame after they tried to limit the king’s power.