Political - Charles I
History: KS3, topic 10.2.1
King Charles I
Charles I was unpopular. The people compared him unfavourably to the famous Elizabeth I, who had been a strong and just ruler. This meant that some did not respect Charles.
'Divine right of kings'
- Charles I, like his father James I, believed firmly in the 'divine right of kings'.
- This meant he believed that he had been appointed as King by God, and therefore could not be challenged.
- He thought that he could run the country how he liked, as God was on his side.
Charles' rule
- Charles gradually spent less time with English noblemen and increasingly surrounded himself with just a few, highly trusted companions.
- Scottish noblemen formed a group called The Covenant in 1638.
- He found it difficult to listen to anyone with different opinions to his because he took their opposition very personally.
- He arrested anyone who opposed him.
Charles' marriage
- Charles married Henrietta Maria in 1625, a French princess.
- Her brother was the absolutist King of France, Louis XIII.
- Absolutist monarchs had total power over their subjects.
- Charles began to copy Louis' actions.
Test yourself on Political - Charles I
When did Charles I marry Henrietta Maria?
What was the name of the group of Scottish noblemen formed in 1638?