The breakdown of Personal Rule Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is the Personal Rule (1629–1640)?
A period when Charles I ruled without calling Parliament, using royal prerogative to govern.
Why did Charles begin the Personal Rule in 1629?
Frustrated by Parliamentary opposition, especially over taxation, religion, and the Petition of Right.
How did Charles raise money without Parliament?
Through non-parliamentary taxation like Ship Money, monopolies, fines, and feudal dues.
What was Ship Money?
A medieval tax on coastal towns for navy defense, extended by Charles to inland areas and made annual (1635).
Why was Ship Money controversial?
It was seen as illegal without Parliament’s consent and raised constitutional concerns about royal overreach.
What was the Hampden case (1637)?
John Hampden refused to pay Ship Money and challenged its legality; judges ruled in Charles’s favour (7–5), but it showed growing resistance.
Who was Archbishop Laud and what were his aims?
Charles’s religious advisor who aimed to enforce uniformity, promote the “beauty of holiness,” and strengthen Church authority.
What were the effects of Laudian reforms?
Alienated Puritans; viewed as Arminian and too close to Catholicism. Created fear and resentment across Protestant groups.
What was the policy of Thorough?
A strategy used by Laud and Wentworth to enforce obedience and strengthen royal control over church and government.
How did Charles enforce obedience?
Through the Star Chamber and High Commission, which punished dissenters and silenced opposition.
What triggered the crisis in Scotland?
Charles imposed the 1637 Scottish Prayer Book without consultation, sparking riots and unrest.
What was the National Covenant (1638)?
A Scottish pledge to defend Presbyterianism and reject Charles’s reforms.
What were the Bishops’ Wars (1639–40)?
Armed conflict between Charles and the Scots; Charles lost both wars due to lack of funds and military strength.
Why did Charles call the Short Parliament (April 1640)?
To raise money for war with Scotland; dissolved it after 3 weeks when it refused to grant funds.
What happened after the Second Bishops’ War?
Charles was forced to pay the Scots £850 a day and had no funds — leading to the Long Parliament (Nov 1640).
Key causes of the breakdown of Personal Rule.
Unpopular financial policies (e.g. Ship Money).
Religious tensions (Laudianism, fear of Catholicism).
Use of courts to silence opposition (Star Chamber).
Failed attempts to impose control in Scotland.
Military defeat and financial crisis.
