Download The English Civil War: The Beginning

The English Civil War:
The Beginning
What were the issues between the King James I
& the English Parliament?
Union of the Crowns
After 44 years of rule, Queen Elizabeth is the last
of the Tudors, dies without an heir
Cousins from Scotland (the Stuarts) are closest
relatives – James Stuart already King of Scotland
England & Scotland will share a king
Sharing a king is known as
Union of the Crowns
Elizabeth I
Power of the Purse
Magna Carta states only Parliament can tax
Parliament controls money “the power of the purse”
English Parliament feels they are equal w/ King
However, James believes in “divine right”
James I
Issues between James I & Parliament
James had a weak Parliament in Scotland, begins clashing
with stronger English Parliament
James & Parliament fight over money, legal & religious issues
1. England is in debt but James wants more money for an
extravagant lifestyle & wars
2. James wants to use royal courts (Star Chamber) to administer
justice, not jury courts
3. Puritans in Parliament were trying to reform the Church of
England, James opposed idea