Charles I: Relationship with Parliament Flashcards
How was Charles’ relationship with plmt strained?
He was determined to pursue war and was less inclined to compromise over his prerogative
Why did Charles call the 1625 plmt?
He needed to procure funds to finance a Spanish war - planned an expenditure of £1 mil. for a naval expedition under Buckingham as plmt had suggested in 1621, and a land campaign
What actions did the Commons initially take in 1625 and why?
Charles failed to clearly explain himself to plmt, and as James had accepted subsidies without waging war, only 2 small subsidies were granted
The collection of tonnage and poundage was restricted to a year - slight towards Buckingham, Lord Admiralty
How did Charles respond to the limit placed on the collections of tonnage and poundage in 1625?
He continued to collect it after one year - previous monarchs had been granted the privilege for life
What did Charles do in response to the 1625 plmt attacks on Laud?
He made Montagu the royal chaplain - disregarded plmt’s views
How did Charles antagonise the 1625 plmt and the PN?
He refused to make concessions with the MPs, instead electing to provoke them, dissolving the plmt only after 2 months into its first session
Also failed to consult with the countryside gentry or engage with leading figures in Commons
Why was the 1626 plmt immediately antagonised by Charles?
William Laud preached the opening sermon - stressed obedience to the king
How did Charles deal with his opponents before the 1626 plmt?
Removed critics like Coke by confining them to local govt by picking them as sheriffs, while others like the Earl of Arundel were removed from court and imprisoned
Why was the 1626 plmt reluctant to grant funds to Charles?
Give 2 of their grievances.
The felt Buckingham was incompetent - blamed him for the military failure at Cádiz, and saw him as pro-Catholic and anti-plmt
Plmt did not want to approve the huge sums as they preferred to engage in cheaper, naval warfare
Why did the 1626 plmt begin impeachment proceedings against Buckingham?
They viewed Buckingham as incompetent and a poor Lord Admiralty
Charles had threatened their existence: ‘Remember that plmt are altogether in my power for their calling, sitting and dissolution’
What did Charles do in reaction to the impeachment proceedings against Buckingham?
Sent John Eliot to the tower and dissolved plmt
Who was to blame for the failure of the 1626 plmt?
Give both arguments
Plmt were antagonistic over impeachment and refusing to grant subsidies
Charles set the tone with the opening sermon, removing his critics pre-emptively and refusing to give concessions
He also threatened plmt and dissolved it to protect Buckingham
What were the grievances of the 1628 plmt?
Taxation - Forced Loan and continued collection of tonnage and poundage
Billeting
Martial Law
Imprisonment without given cause or trial - relating to Nov 1627 5 Knights Case
How did the 1628 plmt attempt to resolve its grievances in exchange for granting 5 subsidies?
Petition of Right - fact it was a petition was less radical than Eliot and Selden’s suggestion of a Bill of Rights
Aimed to address their grievances and limit royal prerogative - distrust of Charles after falsification of documents in the 5 Knights Case
How did Charles attempt to avoid the Petition of Right?
What did this lead to?
He informally accepted it in June 1628 under the threat of impeachment against Buckingham and his desperation for funds
Commons insisted he gave royal assent and brought 2 remonstrances against Buckingham and the collection of tonnage and poundage that same month
