LP: Early Actions and Growing Divisions Flashcards
Why was the LP called?
It was designed to fund a war against the Scots and convened in Nov 1640
What were the grievances of MPs?
Give 2 points
Financial abuses and church reform during the PR
What early attempts at cooperation were made?
Earl of Bedford sought compromise - included abolition of most confrontational aspects of Charles’ reign, a return to a broad church and a separate financial settlement for Charles
Was refused by Charles and Bedford died in May 1641 - no further progress was made
What concessions did Charles initially allow?
Name 4
Jan 1641 appoint 7 plmt to PC and pledged to end religious reform, abolish excessive taxes and revamp the judicial system
What caused the MPs to attack Wentworth?
Give 2 points
He had become Charles’ principal advisor and advocated an attack to renew war with the Scots
As they could not risk undermining the royal prerogative by challenging Charles they targeted Wentworth
How was Wentworth impeached?
Proceedings began in Nov 1640 in the hope he would be replaced by a plmt approved minister - infringing on royal prerogative
Wentworth’s capable legal defense forced the use of a Bill of Attainder at Mar 1641 trial - archaic device unused since 1483
What ultimatum did the Scots give over Wentworth’s fate?
Though some MPs resisted the impeachment, the Scots demanded in Feb 1641 that peace would only be achievable by the abolition of episcopacy and Wentworth’s death - fate was set with the alliance between the plmt radicals and the Scots
What made the MPs wary that Charles might use the army against them?
Apr 1641 Charles ordered officers to return to their commands in the northern army
What was the Army Plot?
Royal officers had attempted to seize the tower of London, where Wentworth was being held, to free him and dissolve plmt - implicated Charles though was not involved
Why did the Bill of Attainder eventually pass?
Army Plot result in a 204-59 passage - though half of the MPs did not vote - early example of the divisions the radicals were forging
Wentworth was executed on 12th May 1641
What were the first actions LP took to protect their interests?
Give 2 points
Passed a bill stating they could not be dissolved without their consent
Introduced the Protestation Oath - reflected the belief that Catholicism and absolutism were linked
Charles was forced to give royal assent
Which of Charles’ ministers and advisors were impeached by the LP?
Wentworth, Laud, Bishop Wren and Lord Chancellor Finch
How did Wentworth’s execution worsen relations between plmt and Charles?
It made Charles less likely to negotiate and trust plmt - saw his death as a result of his capitulations to plmt and resolved to not permit such encroachments on his prerogative again
What pressure did the London mob begin to exercise over Charles?
Give 2 points
MPs took advantage of the crowd to pressurise political opponents - came out to defend the tower after Army Plot was revealed
Mob also made Charles fear for his life and strained his relationship with plmt
What was the Root and Branch Petition?
Demanded an end to episcopacy and was spearheaded by Puritans
Signed by 15,000 Londoners in Dec 1640 and debated in plmt in Feb 1641
