Charles I and his 2nd Parliament. Flashcards
Feb to June 1626 (4 cards)
1
Q
Foreign Policy:
A
- Fleet to Cadiz had been badly provisioned and supplied, Cadiz were well defended so returned to ships as fleet not in condition to attack.
- Many died on voyage and others dropped in streets of Plymouth.
- Coincided with defeat of Christian IV in Germany, made Protestant cause look very insecure.
- Increasingly bad relationship with with France, they had done little to advance war against Spain and ships loaned were taken for war against Huguenots.
- Unpopular in England and Protestant soldiers refused to fight.
- April French come to terms with Spain.
2
Q
Finance:
A
- Financial issues less debated in this parliament.
- All this did was propel more radical opponents like Eliot and Sir Dudley Digges into leading roles.
- MP’s determined on redress of grievances before they would grant supplies.
- Charles hoped to forestall worst of opposition by appointing former MP’s like Sir Edward Coke and Sir Robert Pheilps as sheriffs in 1626.
3
Q
Problem of Buckingham:
A
- Most important problem in this parliament was both houses determined to take measures against Buckingham.
- The house of Lords was hostile to Buckingham because the Earl of Arundel had been sent to Tower of London -> refused to proceed until he’s released.
- Commons impeached Buckingham.
- Charles asked for subsidies -> commons demanded dismissal of Buckingham, Charles dissolved session in fear of loosing his favourite.
- Earl of Bristol charged Buckingham with treason and planning the Madrid trip.
- Lords heard Bristol out first and thought enough evidence to charge him.
4
Q
Religion:
A
- This had been eased to an extent by stronger enforcement of penal laws.
- William Laud preached the sermon at opening of parliament and argued that a royal command reflected the glory of God -> was not what those who assembled wanted to hear.
- Laud was later promoted to be Bishop of Bath and Wells -> Charles looked to him for religious advice.
