England in the early 1600s – Political Intrigue

English 11 AP

The Jacobean Era• James I succeeded Elizabeth I and reigned in

England from 1604-1625. Since there had been peace during his reign, and since he had kept taxes fairly low, he was fairly well-regarded by the English people.

King Charles I• James’ son was Charles, who became King

Charles I in 1625 upon his father’s death. He may have been somewhat power-hungry, and was inclined to believe that the Divine Right of Kings meant that he could have whatever he wanted. The English parliament was not fond of this King.

The Religious Question• Unlike his father, who worked tirelessly to

appear Protestant in all of his actions, Charles had sympathetic leanings toward the Catholic church. This concerned both the Parliament as well as many citizens. When he married the Catholic Henrietta Maria of France, people were not pleased.

Civil War• Because he was caustic in his relations with

the English and Scottish parliaments, and also because he attempted to augment his power, English politicians began a movement against Charles I. The Puritans were critical in this movement.

The English Civil War - Continued• The Civil War in England began in 1642.

Charles I was defeated first in 1645 and then again in 1649. At that point, the Parliamentarian forces, strengthened by the Puritans, captured, tried, convicted and executed the King for high treason.

The End of an Era…• After the English civil war, the monarchy was

overthrown. England (briefly) became a Republic, with a “Council of State” in charge of political dealings. Oliver Cromwell (aka “Old Ironsides”) became Lord Protector of England until his death in 1653.

To Hell or Connacht! • Cromwell despised Irish Catholics, and waged a war against

them that, in modern terms, could be considered a genocide. Thousands of Irish Catholics were killed, and all who owned land had it taken from them and re-allocated to Protestants. Those who lived were sent “To Hell or Connacht”, meaning he wanted them on the West Coast of Ireland, where there was great poverty and little arable land. This remains a Catholic stronghold to this day, and the Irish there still resent Cromwell.

Cromwell’s Death and Legacy• Cromwell may have contracted malaria while in

Ireland (serves the bastard right!) He died in 1658, and was briefly succeeded as Lord Protector by his son, Richard Cromwell, who wasn’t terribly effective. In 1660 Charles II was asked to restore the English monarchy, and Cromwell’s body was exhumed and ritually executed.