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
Power of the Purse
English Parliament feels they are equal w/ King
However, James believes in “divine right”
Magna Carta states only Parliament can tax
Parliament has “the power of the purse”
James had a weak Parliament in Scotland, begins
clashing with stronger English Parliament
Elizabeth I
James I
Issues between James I & Parliament
England is in debt
King & Parliament fight over money, legal & religious issues
Biggest Problems between King James & Parliament:
1. James wants more money for an extravagant lifestyle and to
wage war
2. James uses royal courts (Star Chamber) to administer justice,
not the parliamentary jury courts
3. Puritans in Parliament were trying to reform the Church of
England and James opposes idea