The Growth of Tension and Pressure in the Early 1640s

Charles I’s Scottish Troubles (1637-1641)

Starting in 1637, Charles I made the decision to impose Anglican rites and structures on Scotland’s church. This was met with strong resistance, escalating with the signing of the National Covenant in 1638.
This led to the two Bishops’ Wars in 1639 and 1640, which were military failures for Charles. His inability to handle the situation effectively revealed his leadership weaknesses.
The cost of the wars and Charles’s humiliation forced him to call England’s Parliament in 1640, ending the Eleven Years’ Tyranny.

Reforming the Long Parliament (1641)

Parliament sought to prevent the King from ruling tyrannically again and embarked on reforms. This resulted in the Triennial Act, ensuring a stronger role for the Parliament by dictating that the King must call a Parliament at least every three years.
The Grand Remonstrance was a further list of grievances presented to Charles I, highlighting the extent of Parliament’s dissatisfactions with his rule.

Increasing Religious Tensions (1641-1642)

In Ireland, fear of a Catholic uprising led to violent rebellion in late 1641, with Protestants and English settlers being targeted. This Irish Rebellion further destabilised the relationship between Charles I and the Parliament.
The Church of England’s reforms caused controversy, thus building more tension. Puritans looked forward to reforms, while conservatives wished to maintain the status quo.

The Militarisation of Politics (1642)

In 1642, Charles I’s attempted arrest of the Five Members of the House of Commons marked a clear break. His direct assault on Parliament’s independence was a signal that he thought he could rule without it.
In response, Parliament passed the Militia Ordinance, which allowed them to raise an army. This act was a clear step towards full-scale conflict, initiating the eventual outbreak of the English Civil War. The final stage in the breakdown of relations had begun.