Political - Clashes with Parliament
History: KS3, topic 10.2.2
Charles I Clashes With Parliament
Charles began a period of 'Personal Rule' and a War with the Scots. When Parliament reconvened, more disagreements followed which led to an all-out war.
Parliament
- There was a general belief in the country that Parliament should have more say in how the country was run.
- Parliament was elected by the people, and so represented their views when new laws were being made or taxes being raised rather than everything being decided by the King.
Charles' 'Personal Rule'
- In 1629, Charles tired with Parliament opposing his ideas and refusing to grant him money via taxes.
- He locked MPs from Parliament and ruled on his own until 1640.
- This 11 year period is known as the 'Personal Rule'.
- 'Personal Rule' made Charles seem like a tyrant or dictator, and not a fair king to his people.
Scotland
- Additionally, noblemen in Scotland were angry with how Charles governed them.
- The Scots formed a group called the Covenant in 1638.
- They gathered an army to fight the king in 1640.
War with the Scots
- Charles had to raise an army.
- He lost the war with Scotland. This made him seem like a weak leader.
- At the same time, it gave the Scots confidence that they could have more independence in running the country how they liked.
Parliament returns
- When Parliament returned in 1640, MPs continued to oppose Charles' plans.
- In 1642, Charles forced his way into the House of Commons to arrest 5 leading MPs who had criticised him.
- They were tipped off and escaped, but news of Charles' actions got out.
- The public were outraged!
Declaration of war
- By the summer of 1642, Charles decided that Parliament had become his enemy and needed to be defeated by force.
- He called his army together and declared war.
Test yourself on Political - Clashes with Parliament
How long was Charles' period of 'Personal Rule'?
When did Charles declare war upon Parliament?