Increasing Tension on the Stuart Monarchs

The Reign of James I (1603-1625)

James I ascended the throne peacefully, marking the beginning of the Stuart Dynasty. He strongly believed in the Divine Right of Kings, causing mistrust among the populace.
James inherited problems from Elizabeth’s reign, such as the disputed relationship between the monarch and Parliament, unresolved economic issues, and religious diversity.
Internal factors contributing to the growing tension included religious divisions in society, with the Puritan movement growing within the Anglican Church and increasing Catholic fears.
External threats to James’s reign included pre-existing and ongoing war with Spain. His attempt to resolve this through a Spanish marriage for his son Charles only resulted in further discontent.
The Gunpowder Plot (1605): The Catholic-led assassination attempt on James I confirmed Protestant fears of a Catholic conspiracy and triggered a crackdown on Catholics.

The Reign of Charles I (1625 - 1649)

Charles I shared his father’s belief in the Divine Right of kings which, combined with his attempts to enforce religious uniformity, led to increasing conflict with Parliament.
The Petition of Right (1628): was a major point of contention between Charles I and Parliament due to its restrictions on non-parliamentary taxation, arbitrary imprisonment, quartering of soldiers, and the use of martial law.
Charles’s personal rule (1629-1640), also known as The Eleven Years’ Tyranny, involved ruling without Parliament and using questionable means to raise revenue, further straining relations.
The Bishops’ Wars (1639-1640): The military conflicts between Charles I and Scottish Covenanters over his attempts to bring the Church of Scotland under his control heightened political and religious tensions.

The English Civil War (1642 - 1651)

Leading socio-economic, political, and religious divides in the country triggered the English Civil War between Royalists (Cavaliers) and Parliamentarians (Roundheads), with Charles I’s belligerence playing a key role.
The execution of Charles I in 1649, following the trial by Parliament for treason, marked the end of the monarchy and the beginning of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell.

The Restoration (1660 - 1666)

Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660, marking the end of Republican rule. Despite initial improvements, old issues resurfaced, including religious tension, conflict with Parliament, and financial difficulties.
The Great Fire of London (1666) was seen by some as a divine punishment for the sins of the nation, further exacerbating religious discord.

The Reign of James II (1685 - 1688)

Like his Stuart predecessors, James II believed in the Divine Right of Kings, leading to conflict with Parliament. However, his commitment to the Catholic faith stoked widespread fear of a Catholic takeover.
The birth of a Catholic heir in 1688 triggered a crisis, leading to the Glorious Revolution in which James II was ousted, demonstrating decreased tolerance for Catholic monarchs.

These points form the basis of the struggle between the Stuart monarchy and Parliament, highlighting the contributing factors such as the Stuart belief in the Divine Right of Kings, the religious conflict (particularly the Catholic-Protestant divide), and the battle for power between the monarchy and Parliament. Understanding these core issues is vital to fully grasping the period of Royalty, Revolution and Restoration in England and Wales (1603 - 1715).