Glossary
Absolutism
A political theory and system of government where the monarch holds supreme, unchecked power, often claiming divine authority.
Example:
Louis XIV of France epitomized absolutism, famously declaring 'L'état, c'est moi' (I am the state), consolidating all power under his personal rule.
Cavaliers
The royalist supporters of King Charles I during the English Civil War, typically composed of the nobility, gentry, and Anglicans.
Example:
The Cavaliers, known for their long hair and elaborate dress, fought fiercely to uphold the king's traditional authority.
Charles I
King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 to 1649, whose conflicts with Parliament over power and religion led to the English Civil War and his eventual execution.
Example:
Charles I's attempts to rule without Parliament and impose religious uniformity ultimately cost him his throne and his life.
Commonwealth
The republican government established in England from 1649 to 1660, following the execution of Charles I, during which England was ruled by Parliament.
Example:
During the Commonwealth period, England experimented with a republican form of government, though it eventually transitioned into a Protectorate.
Divine Right of Kings
A political and religious doctrine asserting that monarchs derive their authority directly from God, not from the consent of their subjects or any earthly power.
Example:
The Divine Right of Kings was a powerful justification for absolute rule, suggesting that rebellion against the monarch was a sin against God.
Execution of Charles I (1649)
The unprecedented public beheading of King Charles I by order of Parliament, marking the end of the monarchy and the establishment of the Commonwealth.
Example:
The Execution of Charles I sent shockwaves across Europe, demonstrating the radical extent to which Parliament was willing to go to assert its power.
James I
King of England and Scotland (as James VI) from 1603 to 1625, the first Stuart monarch, who strongly advocated for the Divine Right of Kings.
Example:
James I's belief that he was accountable only to God put him at odds with Parliament, setting the stage for future conflicts.
Long Parliament
The English Parliament that convened in 1640 and sat for nearly 20 years, enacting significant reforms and ultimately leading the opposition against Charles I during the Civil War.
Example:
The Long Parliament passed acts that prevented its own dissolution without its consent, fundamentally altering the balance of power with the monarchy.
New Model Army
The highly disciplined and professional army created by Parliament during the English Civil War, largely under the command of Oliver Cromwell, which proved decisive in defeating the Royalists.
Example:
The New Model Army's merit-based promotions and strong Puritan discipline made it a formidable fighting force.
Oliver Cromwell
A Puritan military and political leader who led the Parliamentarian New Model Army to victory in the English Civil War and later ruled England as Lord Protector.
Example:
Oliver Cromwell's military genius and political ambition transformed England into a republic and then a military dictatorship.
Parliament
A legislative body in England (and later Great Britain) composed of elected representatives and hereditary peers, which historically sought to limit royal power.
Example:
The English Parliament asserted its authority by refusing to grant Charles I funds, leading to a direct confrontation with the monarchy.
Petition of Right (1628)
A landmark English document that limited the king's power, prohibiting him from levying taxes, imprisoning subjects without cause, or quartering soldiers without Parliament's consent.
Example:
The Petition of Right was a significant assertion of parliamentary power, challenging the king's ability to act unilaterally.
Protectorate
The period of military rule in England (1653-1659) under Oliver Cromwell, who held the title of Lord Protector, effectively functioning as a military dictator.
Example:
The Protectorate saw Cromwell impose strict Puritanical laws and maintain order through military force, despite the initial republican ideals.
Roundheads
The parliamentary forces and their supporters during the English Civil War, primarily Puritans and members of the middle class, known for their short haircuts.
Example:
The disciplined Roundheads, led by Oliver Cromwell, ultimately defeated the royalist forces, marking a turning point in the conflict.
Ship Money
An ancient tax levied by English monarchs, traditionally for coastal defense, which Charles I controversially extended to inland counties and during peacetime without parliamentary approval.
Example:
Charles I's imposition of Ship Money across the entire kingdom was seen as a blatant attempt to bypass Parliament and raise revenue independently.
Short Parliament
A brief session of the English Parliament in 1640, summoned by Charles I to raise funds for war against Scotland, but dissolved quickly due to its opposition to his policies.
Example:
The Short Parliament lasted only three weeks, demonstrating the deep divisions between Charles I and his legislative body.