English Civil War 1625 – 1649

Causes

Charles I Advisors were Unpopular

Charles I advisors made a strong impact on Parliament and altered the intensity of this event. His advisors disrespected the church of England because of their actions for increasing decorations and rituals in the church of England, which parliament also attended. This influenced parliaments decision for passing the grand remonstrance that Charles desired.

Components

New Model Army

Oliver Cromwell reorganizing the parliamentary army played a huge part in the battle of Naseby. If Cromwell didn’t rebuild the army, there was a chance that the civil war would have had a different outcome. The original army might have been weaker than the new army and that could of resulted in Charles defeating parliament, not given the chance to escape and not given the chance to take refuge on the Isle of Wight.

Battle of Naseby

This was the turning point of the civil war. The battle of Naseby had cost the king a large part of his army members. if this hadn’t of happened, Charles could have had a chance to defeat parliament. Those losses also had a huge influence on his decision to surrender, due to him not being able to keep up with those steady losses.

Charles I Escapes

If Charles had accepted the Parliamentary army’s peace terms, there wouldn’t of been as much tension between Charles and parliament. Also, if he accepted the terms there would be a different outcome. The battle of Preston wouldn’t of happened because he wouldn’t have had a chance to make an agreement with the Scott’s, get their support and take refuge on the Isle of Wight.

Consquences 

Army Purged Parliament

Army purging Parliament made a large impact and immediate effect. The purging done by the army, changed the empowerment of the people, by changing the style of government. Since puritans were the only ones that were allowed to be apart of parliament, they all had the same mind set to get rid of the king. There was no variety or negotiation, and because of that, Charles I was sentenced to death so quickly. None of the other events would of happened if the army never purged different members of parliament.

Cromwell and the Republic 1649 – 1661

Components

Cromwell Dismisses Parliament

Cromwell dismissing parliament and ruling without them shaped the course of the event and had long term effects attached to it. This was very hypocritical for Cromwell to do, considering he fought so hard to eliminate Charles for ruling without parliament. The results of this is important, considering Cromwell then could do whatever he wanted because Parliament was not there to objectify it. Cromwell was beginning to lead in similar ways to Charles.

Blue Laws are Imposed 

The introduction of blue laws had a high impact and immediate effect. It was also the climax during this time of the event. The blue laws were based on only the Puritan religion. Leaving no space for other religions to have their rituals. These laws became unpopular to England and the people because it gave them no freedom. The Blue Laws banned theaters, horse-racing, cockfighting, wrestling and bear and bull baiting. Puritans did not approve of music and art. The people of England also could not eat on Wednesday (day of fast), on Sundays the shops were closed and there was no games, sports or business.

Charles II and Restoration of the Monarchy 1661 – 1685

Parliament Passes the Test Act

 Parliament passing the test act had a large impact on this time of the English revolution. The test act was significant because it indicated to Charles that Parliament is responsible for making the laws, not Charles himself. Charles continued to keep his secret, him being a Catholic, from the people of England until he died. I feel he did that because the test act stated that Catholics shall not become members of Parliament, or hold any other high office (government).

James II and the Glorious Revolution 1685 – 1689

James II Violates Test Act

When James violated the test act, it made a big impact and resulted in negative immediate effects. This violation angered Parliament severely. The test act specifically stated that Catholics will not hold any government positions, but, James decided to make Catholics fill in those positions despite the Test Act. It influenced Parliament to call his daughter (Mary), to have her and her husband replace him with the throne and to become King and Queen.

James II Abdicates the Throne 

James abdicating resulted in the Glorious Revolution. William (Mary’s husband) invaded England to claim the throne from James. James abdication happened due to the lack of support he was able to receive, after he abdicated, he then left England. The Glorious Revolution was significant because it was the first time the monarch was chosen by Parliament, not hereditary right.