King Charles I's decision to dissolve Parliament in 1629

Definition

In 1629, King Charles I made the significant decision to dissolve Parliament, an action that reflected his desire for absolute monarchy and a break from parliamentary governance. This decision was crucial as it led to the Eleven Years' Tyranny, a period characterized by Charles ruling without Parliament, which intensified tensions between the monarchy and various factions in England, setting the stage for the English Civil War and the eventual Glorious Revolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Charles I dissolved Parliament on March 2, 1629, after tensions escalated over issues such as taxation and the king's authority.
2. The dissolution marked the start of a period where Charles attempted to govern without parliamentary consent, using royal prerogative to impose taxes and enforce laws.
3. Charles's reign saw significant opposition from both Puritans and those who wanted more power for Parliament, contributing to growing discontent.
4. During the Eleven Years' Tyranny, Charles faced increasing resistance, including the establishment of the Long Parliament in 1640, which ultimately challenged his rule.
5. The actions taken during this period, including his refusal to work with Parliament, were pivotal in leading to the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642.

Review Questions

• How did King Charles I's decision to dissolve Parliament in 1629 contribute to the rise of opposition against him?
  • King Charles I's decision to dissolve Parliament in 1629 significantly fueled opposition against him by alienating various political factions that sought a greater voice in governance. His attempt to rule without parliamentary consent led to widespread dissatisfaction among both common people and gentry who felt their rights were being undermined. This growing resentment set the stage for organized resistance, culminating in the formation of factions like the Puritans and eventually leading to the outbreak of the English Civil War.
• Evaluate the implications of the Eleven Years' Tyranny for England's political landscape.
  • The Eleven Years' Tyranny had profound implications for England's political landscape as it established a precedent for royal rule without parliamentary oversight. During this time, Charles I implemented policies that angered many, leading to heightened tensions between the monarchy and subjects advocating for parliamentary power. The absence of Parliament created a vacuum that allowed for grassroots movements against royal authority, ultimately resulting in civil conflict when Parliament was called again in 1640, highlighting a shift toward increased demands for democratic governance.
• Analyze how King Charles I's actions and decisions from 1629 set into motion a chain of events leading to the Glorious Revolution.
  • King Charles I's actions starting with the dissolution of Parliament in 1629 initiated a series of political crises that destabilized his rule and transformed England's governance. His authoritarian approach alienated key political groups, leading to civil war and a temporary republic under Oliver Cromwell. The eventual restoration of monarchy in 1660 was marked by lingering tensions over royal authority that persisted until the Glorious Revolution of 1688, where constitutional monarchy was established as a response to previous tyrannies. Thus, Charles's decisions laid critical groundwork for future shifts toward parliamentary sovereignty and limits on monarchical power.

Related terms

Eleven Years' Tyranny: The period from 1629 to 1640 during which King Charles I ruled England without calling Parliament, implementing his policies through royal prerogative.

Petition of Right:

A constitutional document passed by Parliament in 1628 that outlined specific liberties and rights, which Charles I later ignored, leading to further conflict.

English Civil War:

A series of conflicts from 1642 to 1651 between Parliamentarians (Roundheads) and Royalists (Cavaliers) over governance and authority in England.