The English Civil War
What was the English Civil War?
This event officially began after Charles I tried to arrest members of Parliament following the actions of the Long Parliament and rising conflict over religion and power.
What is the Divine Right of Kings? Who did it apply to?
Divine Right of Kings was the belief that argued that a monarch’s authority came directly from God, meaning they did not have to answer to their people or Parliament and it shouldn't be questioned
- James I, Charles I, Louis XIV, Philip II
What is mercantilism?
An economic system focused on maximizing exports and limiting imports.
The main idea was that a nation should be self-sufficient and keep as much money as possible inside the country.
What is absolutism?
Absolutism is a system of government where all power is held by one ruler, usually a king or queen, with little to no limits from laws, Parliament, or nobles.
Believed in Divine Right
Parliamentarians vs. Royalists
These two opposing groups fought during the English Civil War, with one side supporting the authority of Parliament and the other defending the power of the monarchy.
Who was Louis XIV?
Known as the “Sun King,” believing he was the center of the universe, he ruled from 1643 to 1715, built the lavish Palace of Versailles to display his power, and famously declared “I am the state,” showing his belief in absolute authority.
- Used art and architecture to display royal power
What is cottage industry?
This type of production involved people working from home to make goods.
Merchants would bring them raw materials, and the workers would make the finished products and get paid for their labor.
Constitutionalism is a system of government where the ruler’s power is limited by laws, a constitution, or representative bodies like Parliament.
Power is shared, citizens have protected rights.
Charles I in relation to the English Civil War.
An absolutist who assumed the throne after James I, he believed in the divine rights of the kings, meaning God had chosen them to rule.
He tried to make the Church more uniform throughout Britain, this backfired within Scotland. The Scots rebelled, and Parliament had no choice but to come together once more.
Led to Long Parliament ( Parliament did everything to limit Charles and the monarchy by passing acts, he began arresting people in Parliament and that's when things turned south)
Who was Peter the Great?
Sought to westernize his empire by reforming the military, subordinating the Orthodox Church to state control, and forcing nobles into lifelong service to the crown.
What is the Agricultural Revolution?
This revolution introduced crop rotation and mixed farming.
These changes led to more food, healthier people, and population growth. It also helped start the Industrial Revolution because fewer people were needed on farms, so many moved to cities to work in factories.
What is the English Bill of Rights?
The English Bill of Rights was a law passed in 1689 after the Glorious Revolution that limited the power of the king and gave more power to Parliament.
It helped create a constitutional monarchy, where the monarch rules but must follow the law
Who is Oliver Cromwell?
Rose to power during the English Civil War by organizing the highly disciplined New Model Army, which defeated the Royalists and captured Charles I. A strong Puritan, he believed England should be governed with stricter Protestant values.
Who is Phillip II?
Had strict control of political appointments, religious authority, and the construction of the Escorial, while also attempting to expand Catholic influence through the Spanish Armada.
What is the enclosure movement?
This movement allowed wealthy landowner to buy public land, pushing out peasants, and forcing small farmers to farm their lands.
What is parliament?
England’s lawmaking body, similar to Congress in the United States.
It is made up of representatives who help make laws, approve taxes, and limit the power of the monarch.
What was the Glorious Revolution?
This 1688 event removed James II from power when Parliament invited William of Orange and Mary to take the English throne, leading to constitutional monarchy.
AKA best time ever
Who is Charles I?
He believed in divine right, refusal to cooperate with Parliament, and decision to rule without calling Parliament for 11 years helped create the political tensions that directly led to the English Civil War. His conflicts over taxation, religion, and royal authority eventually ended with his execution.
What are colonies?
Colonies are lands or territories that are controlled by another country, usually a stronger or more powerful one.
Mercantilism depended heavily on these raw materials and trade.
The idea that no one country or ruler should become too strong and dominate all of Europe.
Instead, nations tried to keep power evenly spread so that one empire, kingdom, or state could not control everyone else. They used alliances, diplomacy, and sometimes war to maintain that balance.