James,Charles and parliament (1603-1629) (2,5,6) Flashcards
How was Charles personality a different to that of his father?
Been reffered to as “the mirror opposite” to James.
The differences were rooted in Charles’ personality.
Charles was shy and hampered by a speech defect contrasting his outgoing father. This made Charles being less approachable, more damaging and uncommunicative with parliment.
Essentially Charles had An inferiority complex making him overstress his prerogative meaning he had none of James I’s political shrewdness or flexibility.
He was unwilling to compromise and interpreted the slightest hint of criticism as rebellion - very consprisical. His political actions would also go unexplained leaving others to interpret.
Example of Charles not being clear and making others work out what he was doing?
When he joined the 30 year war he demanded a subsidy from his first parliment. He refused to explain his position or ask for a specific subsidy. The parliment exhibited their first signs of distrust in Charles by only giving him a small amount of money for the war.
Similarties in James and Charles views on monarchy?
Both strong believers in the Divine right of kings and their prerogative.
Differences in James and Charles views on monarcy?
Charles was condsiderably more provocative (angry) when dealing with Parliment compared to James who was pragmatic(calm).
What was the difference between the 2 kings when dealing with foriegn policy and negotiation?
James - saw himself as a “peacekeeper king” and sought compromise and negotiation with the political nation in England while defending his rights.
Charles also sought to defend his rights but did so provocatively(less control,angry) , partly as a result of his limited self confidence. He was unwilling to negotiate and eventually undermined his own authority.
What was the court of James I like?
The court was an open and lively place that reflected the kings enjoyment and luxury life. He was noted for his open,physical interaction with his courtiers.
What was the court of Charles I like?
Charles regarded his court as a mini version of his state that he desperately tried to control it showing his weaker mentality. It felt isolated from the rest of the country.
What was the privy council?
The kings selected advisers who met in private to shape the monarchs wishes into policy and oversee their implemntation.
What was the kings bedchamber?
The monarchs private living space; the gentlemen of the Bedchamber were courtiers who waited upon the monarch in these rooms.
What were the features of a Gentleman of the Bedchamber?
~ providing companionship
~ important figures at court
~ access to king meant they had IMMENSE political influence.
How was the bedchamber a source of tension between James and parliment?
Lots of Scots became Gentlemen of the bedchamber meaning they had great political influence over the king and therefore England creating tensions.
What is a faction?
Competing groups in politics; dissenting (controversial opinions) groups based on personal or family relationships that sough the favour of the monarch
What was Patronage?
Political success was based on establishing a network of support. Those furthest up the system could act as patrons to the support “clients” lower down the system. Through this support, the clients could gain advancement and the patron could both show off his power and use his client to carry out tasks appropriate to their place and connections. The political aim of all was to build and use a network of connections to move as close to the king as possible.
Support or sponsorship offered by a powerful individual in exchange for
Explain the timeline of George Villiers:
- Came to light in 1616 beacuse James I liked him.
- Became closer to Prince Charles
- Became Duke of Buckingham
- In 1623, Charles and George travelled together to Madrid to secure the Spanish match
- They became closer after this and when James died he became Charles’ favourite
- Had way too much power and was responsible for foreign policy failures.
- Charles defended him when he was attacked by parliment in 1628 but he was assassinated by a soldier anyway.
What is parliamentary privilege?
Parliamentary privilege is a legal immunity enjoyed by members of parliament that allows them to freely speak during proceedings without fear of legal action. This enables parliament to function effectively as a legislative body to the monarch.
