Financial problems - Buckingham Flashcards
(7 cards)
Why was the grant of tonnage and poundage controversial in 1625?
Traditionally granted to monarchs for life.
Parliament only granted it for 1 year to limit Charles’s power.
Charles collected it without consent, seen as illegal.
What were Forced Loans (1626–1627), and why were they significant?
A demand for money from subjects without parliamentary approval.
Refusal led to imprisonment.
Widely seen as an abuse of royal power.
Undermined trust in the monarchy.
How did Charles try to raise money without Parliament?
Forced Loan.
Selling monopolies.
Custom duties (tonnage and poundage).
Billeting soldiers in civilian homes (unpaid).
Who was the Duke of Buckingham?
George Villiers, Charles I’s closest advisor and favourite.
Also served James I.
Held huge political and military influence.
Why was Buckingham so unpopular with Parliament?
Blamed for failed military expeditions (e.g. Cádiz, La Rochelle).
Accused of corruption and incompetence.
Dominated royal patronage, blocking access for others.
Protected by Charles despite criticism.
What foreign policy failures were linked to Buckingham?
1625 Cádiz Expedition: disaster with drunk and ill-prepared troops.
1627 La Rochelle Expedition: failed attempt to support Huguenots in France.
Both led to loss of money, lives, and reputation.
How did Buckingham’s assassination in 1628 affect Charles I?
Public celebrated, revealing Buckingham’s deep unpopularity.
Charles was devastated and blamed Parliament.
Increased Charles’s emotional distance and mistrust of MPs.
