Before the Stuart’s reign, the Tudors and English Parliament worked hand in hand. After Queen Elizabeth I’s death in 1603, the Tudor line was over, and the English crown was handed to the Stuarts. The first Stuart monarch, James I, started the conflict between his soon to be dynasty and Parliament. The Stuart family had a tumultuous relationship with Parliament during the 17th century due to the lack of dutiful rulers like James I and Charles I, with the exception of Charles II.
James I was an Episcopalian king who believed in the divine right to rule and did not seek assistance from Parliament. James I called for Parliament four times throughout his 22 year reign, and dissolved it once because he did not wish to work with them. James’ economic advisor, Robert Cecil, was a savvy economist who “replaced” Parliament for James I. James believed that his power to rule came from God, and is responsible to God alone. This belief is known as the divine right to rule, and James instilled this belief into his son. …show more content…
Charles I dissolved Parliament 3 times within the first 4 years of his reign, and disregarded any advice given to him. Parliament decided that enough was enough and England was heading on a path that only went downhill. They presented Charles with the Petition of Right. The Petition of Right was a limit on the king’s overall power, and angered Charles immensely. Charles sparked the Civil War by sending an army to a Parliament meeting. The English Civil War lasted 9 years, and was an ongoing battle between the Cavaliers (supporters of the king) and the Roundheads (supporters of Parliament). The Roundheads, led by Oliver Cromwell, won the war and take control of England. Charles I was put on trial and was sentenced to execution for treason. Charles is the first of many future rulers to be
James I was an Episcopalian king who believed in the divine right to rule and did not seek assistance from Parliament. James I called for Parliament four times throughout his 22 year reign, and dissolved it once because he did not wish to work with them. James’ economic advisor, Robert Cecil, was a savvy economist who “replaced” Parliament for James I. James believed that his power to rule came from God, and is responsible to God alone. This belief is known as the divine right to rule, and James instilled this belief into his son. …show more content…
Charles I dissolved Parliament 3 times within the first 4 years of his reign, and disregarded any advice given to him. Parliament decided that enough was enough and England was heading on a path that only went downhill. They presented Charles with the Petition of Right. The Petition of Right was a limit on the king’s overall power, and angered Charles immensely. Charles sparked the Civil War by sending an army to a Parliament meeting. The English Civil War lasted 9 years, and was an ongoing battle between the Cavaliers (supporters of the king) and the Roundheads (supporters of Parliament). The Roundheads, led by Oliver Cromwell, won the war and take control of England. Charles I was put on trial and was sentenced to execution for treason. Charles is the first of many future rulers to be