Parliament's Role in Political Instability

Parliament's actions, often in response to Charles I's policies, also contributed to the political instability of 1625-1646.

Key parliamentary actions included:

1. Refusing to grant Charles I lifetime collection of Tonnage and Poundage in 1625
2. Impeachment attempts against royal advisors
3. Issuing the Ordinance to raise forces to suppress the Irish revolt of 1641

Definition: Tonnage and Poundage - Customs duties on imported goods, traditionally granted to monarchs for life.

The conflict over Tonnage and Poundage in 1625 set the tone for future disagreements, as Parliament sought to increase its authority and limit royal power. This led to resentment from Charles I and further strained relations between the monarchy and Parliament.

Highlight: The 1641 Ordinance to raise forces challenged the King's military authority, further escalating tensions.

While Parliament's actions were significant, they were largely reactive to Charles I's policies and decisions. The role of parliament in political instability 1625-46 was thus intertwined with and often a direct response to the actions of the monarch and his advisors.

In conclusion, while all three factors - Charles I's actions, his advisors' policies, and Parliament's responses - contributed to the political instability of 1625-1646, Charles I's actions can be seen as the primary driving force behind the turmoil that ultimately led to the English Civil War.

Charles I's Actions and Political Instability (1625-1646)

The period from 1625 to 1646 in England was marked by significant political turmoil, largely stemming from the actions of King Charles I. His decisions regarding religion, foreign policy, and relations with Parliament set the stage for conflicts that would ultimately lead to civil war.

Highlight: Charles I's promotion of Arminian clergy and marriage to a Catholic princess increased religious tensions in England.

Charles made several controversial religious moves, including:

• Appointing William Laud as Bishop of London in 1628
• Marrying Catholic Princess Henrietta Maria of Denmark
• Introducing the English Prayer Book to Scottish churches in 1637

These actions angered Protestants and Scots, leading to riots and the formation of the National Covenant in Scotland.

Example: The introduction of the English Prayer Book in Scotland caused a riot and led to the First Bishops' War.

Charles's relationship with Parliament also deteriorated severely during this period. Key events included:

• Dissolving Parliament multiple times
• Attempting to arrest five leading members of Parliament in 1642

Quote: "Charles ordered the House of Lords to begin impeachment proceedings against the leaders of the opposition, arriving at the House of Commons on the 4th January 1642 with a warrant for the arrest of 5 leading members of parliament, accompanied by 300 soldiers."

These actions directly contributed to the political instability of the era, intensifying tensions between the monarchy and Parliament and setting the stage for the English Civil War.