Charles I and his 1st Parliament.

Question 1

Foreign Policy:

Answer 1

• Charles and Buckingham were vague of what they planned to do in continental war.
• Eventually made clear - a naval expedition to Cadiz to recreate swash buckling days.
• Cost was not totally clear but £60,000 estimated
  -> commons wanted more details.
• They also hoped to subsidise a Danish invasion of Germany, led by Christian IV, Charles’ uncle.

Question 2

Finance:

Answer 2

• MP’s unhappy when Lord keeper suggested that granting subsidies must take place over all other matters.
• Parliament moved to Oxford as plague grew worse -> not ready to grant more money.
• They granted 2 subsidies about £140,000.
• They offered Charles tonnage and poundage for a year.
• Once subsidies given difficult for Charles to ask for more.

Question 3

Problem of Buckingham:

Answer 3

• He remained dominant in Charles’ counsels but not the privy council.
• By the time parliament ended questions being asked about conduct of war under Buckingham.
• He tried to justify his affairs to both houses didn’t work.
  -> Commons said Charles needed a “constant council”.
• Arundel -> supporter of the Spanish match wasn’t listened to as policy had changed to war with Spain.
• The anti - Spanish Pembroke and Abbot disliked the monopoly of Buckingham.

Question 4

Religion:

Answer 4

• Parliament were concerned over lax enforcement of penal laws -> told matter was for King.
• Commons not happy urged the laws against Catholic priests should be upheld.
• They used their concerns as a lever -> Charles would not get his money until he agreed to their demands.
• 12th August Charles dissolved parliament.