1640-42

Question 1

When did the Civil War become inevitable?

Answer 1

1640-1642

The period leading up to the Civil War highlights key events and tensions between King Charles and Parliament.

Question 2

What were the reasons for the calling of the Long Parliament?

Answer 2

Defeat in the Second Bishops’ War, Treaty of Ripon, need for Parliamentary subsidies

The financial strain and military pressures necessitated the recall of Parliament.

Question 3

What were the strengths of Charles in 1640?

Answer 3

• Divine Right belief
• King with powers of previous monarchs
• Support from House of Lords
• Control over legal system
• Authority to call up militia
• Access to resources of all kingdoms
• Skilled ministers like Strafford and Laud

These strengths initially positioned Charles favorably against Parliament.

Question 4

What were the weaknesses of Charles in 1640?

Answer 4

• Lack of support
• Alienation of gentry
• Reliance on local officials
• Inability to handle criticism

Charles faced significant challenges that undermined his authority.

Question 5

What were the strengths of Parliament in 1640?

Answer 5

• Shared goals between Lords and Commons
• Interconnections among members
• Support from London populace
• Presence of talented opposition members

These factors allowed Parliament to act effectively against the King.

Question 6

What were the weaknesses of Parliament in 1640?

Answer 6

• Divisions between radicals and moderates
• Inexperience in taking initiative
• Difficulty managing numerous MPs

These weaknesses hindered Parliament’s ability to present a united front.

Question 7

Who was John Pym?

Answer 7

Leading figure in Parliamentary opposition, strong Puritan, skilled politician

Pym played a crucial role in shaping events in Parliament during the early 1640s.

Question 8

What was the Root and Branch Petition?

Answer 8

A petition calling for the abolition of episcopal government, signed by 15,000 Londoners

This petition illustrated the demand for serious Church reform and the influence of popular support.

Question 9

What did the Triennial Act state?

Answer 9

A new Parliament must be called every three years

This Act represented a significant shift in the relationship between the King and Parliament.

Question 10

What was the outcome of the trial of the Earl of Strafford?

Answer 10

Pym pushed for a Bill of Attainder instead of a trial verdict

The trial’s outcome reflected the political tensions and fears of a not guilty verdict among Parliament members.

Question 11

Fill in the blank: The Grand Remonstrance was a _______.

Answer 11

[a document outlining grievances against the King]

This document played a pivotal role in escalating tensions between Charles and Parliament.

Question 12

True or False: The House of Lords was largely supportive of Charles in 1640.

Answer 12

True

The support from the Lords gave Charles a significant advantage at the beginning of the Long Parliament.

Question 13

What was the significance of the failed arrest of the 5 Members?

Answer 13

It escalated tensions between Parliament and the King

This event highlighted the growing divide and distrust between the two powers.

Question 14

What role did popular radicalism play in the lead-up to the Civil War?

Answer 14

It pushed Parliament towards more extreme demands

The influence of public sentiment contributed to the increasing pressure on Parliament to act against the King.

Question 15

What was the Grand Remonstrance?

Answer 15

A document presented by Parliament outlining their grievances and demands from the King

It was significant in rallying support against Charles and solidifying opposition.

Question 16

What were the military preparations in summer 1642?

Answer 16

Both sides began organizing and arming for conflict

This marked the transition from political disputes to armed conflict.

Question 17

Who were the main parties involved in the English Civil War?

Answer 17

• Royalists (supporters of the King)
• Parliamentarians (supporters of Parliament)

The division between these two factions ultimately led to civil war.

Question 18

Fill in the blank: Charles raised his battle standard at _______ in August 1642.

Answer 18

[Nottingham]

This act is often cited as the formal beginning of the English Civil War.

Question 19

What was the outcome of the trial against Strafford?

Answer 19

The trial was ended abruptly on 10th April due to concerns that the Lords would not find Strafford guilty

Pym’s worry led to the Commons deciding to pursue a Bill of Attainder instead.

Question 20

What is a Bill of Attainder?

Answer 20

An Act of Parliament that declares a person a traitor without the need for a trial

It requires the King’s signature and approval from both the Commons and the Lords.

Question 21

What were the two key advantages Pym gained by switching to a Bill of Attainder?

Answer 21

• Bypassed the risk of the Lords finding Strafford innocent
• Forced the King to become involved in Strafford’s fate

Question 22

How did Pym persuade the Commons to sign the Bill of Attainder?

Answer 22

He encouraged the London mob to demonstrate in favor of the Bill

The Bill passed by 204 votes to 59, although many MPs stayed away.

Question 23

What event led to the Lords signing the Bill of Attainder?

Answer 23

The revelation of the Army Plot by Pym, which involved a secret communication between the King and army officers

The plot confirmed fears of a Catholic conspiracy.

Question 24

Why did Charles ultimately sign the Bill of Attainder?

Answer 24

He was under pressure from the Lords, bishops, and the Privy Council, fearing civil war

He described signing the Bill as the biggest sin of his life.

Question 25

What was the Act against dissolution of the Long Parliament?

Answer 25

An Act signed by Charles stating that the Long Parliament could not be dissolved without its own consent ## Footnote This move was disastrous for Charles as it undermined his prerogative.

Question 26

What was the Protestation Oath?

Answer 26

An oath demanding all men in office maintain and defend the true reformed Protestant religion against popery ## Footnote It was issued on 6th May and later extended to all adult males.

Question 27

What were some significant Acts passed by Parliament after Strafford's execution?

Answer 27

* Tonnage and Poundage Act * Abolition of the Star Chamber and Court of High Commission * Abolishment of Ship Money * Restoration of royal forest boundaries * Act against the Distraint of Knighthood

Question 28

What was the Bishops’ Exclusion Bill?

Answer 28

A bill aimed at excluding bishops from sitting in the House of Lords ## Footnote It passed the Commons but was rejected by the Lords in June.

Question 29

What was 'the Incident' during Charles' visit to Scotland?

Answer 29

Charles attempted to exploit divisions within the Scottish nobility and plotted to arrest leading Covenanters ## Footnote The failed arrest made Charles appear untrustworthy.

Question 30

What sparked the Irish Rebellion in 1641?

Answer 30

Resentment over Strafford's rule, fears of anti-Catholicism, and the uprising of ordinary Irish Catholics ## Footnote English Protestant settlers faced violence and many territories fell to rebels.

Question 31

What was the Grand Remonstrance?

Answer 31

A document outlining Charles' reign and calling for major constitutional changes, including limiting the King's powers ## Footnote It included demands for Parliament to appoint ministers and exclude bishops from the Lords.

Question 32

What were the radical demands included in the Grand Remonstrance?

Answer 32

* Parliament should appoint the King’s ministers * Bishops and Catholic Lords excluded from the House of Lords * Root and branch reform of the Church

Question 33

What was the reaction of MPs to the Grand Remonstrance?

Answer 33

It passed by a narrow margin, with many abstaining or staying away from the vote ## Footnote The Remonstrance was too radical for many, leading to a visible royalist party forming.

Question 34

What role did the London mob play in the political landscape of the 1640s?

Answer 34

The mob pressured Charles and targeted bishops, leading to a loss of support for the King in the Lords ## Footnote They were politically active and influenced events like Strafford's Act of Attainder.

Question 35

What was the Militia Bill introduced in December 1641?

Answer 35

A bill granting Parliament the power to raise the militia and appoint commanders ## Footnote Charles was insulted by the Bill, viewing it as an infringement on his royal prerogative.

Question 36

What event occurred on 4th January 1642?

Answer 36

Charles attempted to arrest five members of Parliament ## Footnote This event heightened tensions and marked a significant escalation in the conflict.

Question 37

What event occurred on 4th January 1642 involving Charles I?

Answer 37

Charles attempted to arrest five members of Parliament: Pym, Hampden, Holles, Haselrig, and Strode ## Footnote This event is known as the attempt on the Five Members.

Question 38

What was the Speaker of the House's famous reply to Charles I's request?

Answer 38

'Your Majesty, I have neither eyes to see nor tongue to speak, except as this House shall direct me.'

Question 39

What was the immediate reaction of the five members to Charles I's attempt to arrest them?

Answer 39

They had been warned and escaped via a boat down the Thames.

Question 40

What was the significance of Charles I's attempt to arrest the five members?

Answer 40

It reinforced conspiracy theories about his absolutist tendencies and temporarily halted the growth of a royalist party.

Question 41

What was the public's reaction to Charles I's actions on 4th January 1642?

Answer 41

Support for Charles plummeted, and the London mob was outraged.

Question 42

What false rumor spread after Charles I's attempt on the five members?

Answer 42

That Charles was planning to march on the city with 1,500 soldiers.

Question 43

What significant decision did Charles I make on 10th January 1642?

Answer 43

He left London for Hampton Court Palace.

Question 44

What was the Militia Ordinance issued by Parliament in March 1642?

Answer 44

It stated that all militia units should follow instructions from Parliament.

Question 45

What did Charles I issue in response to the Militia Ordinance?

Answer 45

The Commissions of Array, commanding militia units to obey him.

Question 46

What were the Nineteen Propositions?

Answer 46

A list of demands from Parliament including: * Parliament to appoint the King’s ministers * Policies to be arrived at through discussion in Parliament * Parliament to approve the education of the King’s children * Strict enforcement of anti-Catholic laws * Root and branch reform of the Church * King to approve the Militia Ordinance

Question 47

How did Charles I respond to the Nineteen Propositions?

Answer 47

He rejected them, stating that to accept them would make him 'but the outside, but the picture, but the sign of a King.'

Question 48

What was a key factor influencing individuals' allegiances during the civil war?

Answer 48

Religion was the strongest indicator of allegiance.

Question 49

Which regions tended to support Parliament during the civil war?

Answer 49

Puritan strongholds in the south and east, and large towns in the north.

Question 50

What was the significance of neutralism during the civil war?

Answer 50

Some areas attempted to take no part in the conflict at all, mobilizing local militias against both sides.

Question 51

What did Parliament resolve on 12th July 1642?

Answer 51

To raise an army to be led by the Earl of Essex.

Question 52

When did Charles I raise his battle standard, signaling the start of the Royalist army?

Answer 52

On 22nd August 1642 at Nottingham.

Question 53

What was the general sentiment among the English people regarding the civil war in 1642?

Answer 53

The vast majority did not want a civil war.

Question 54

What did Edmund Verney express regarding his loyalty to Charles I?

Answer 54

He felt he could not desert the King after serving him for nearly thirty years.

Question 55

What was the role of local rivalries in determining allegiances during the civil war?

Answer 55

Individuals often cared more about local positions than national issues, affecting their side choice.

Question 56

What was the impact of Henrietta Maria's departure from London?

Answer 56

She took the crown jewels with her, hoping to raise money for Charles' cause.

Question 57

Fill in the blank: The Militia Ordinance was the first time Parliament claimed the right to pass a law without the _______.

Answer 57

King's approval.

Question 58

True or False: The Grand Remonstrance was popular with all members of Parliament.

Answer 58

False.