WH Writing Assignment IV

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Nov 24, 2024

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Writing Assignment IV: Absolutism and England Topic: The "search for order" (p. 396) shaped the political ideology of the age (the 17th Century/1600s) in Europe. While France responded to religious upheaval and conflict with Absolutism, England "avoid[ed] the path of absolutism" (p. 398) and ultimately responded with limited monarchy (p. 400). For your assignment, write on the Gunpowder Plot. But sure to explain the context or long-term causes of conflict, the "immediate spark", the details of the plot, the outcome, the significance, and so on. To set the scene during this time, the state of France during the 17 th century was that of a limited monarchy which meant the king and parliament attempted to determine each other’s governmental role for England, rather than allotting power to one group or person. After the death of Queen Elizabeth I, King James I ascended to the throne since the Tudor Dynasty of Elizabeth had gone extinct. James believed in divine rights of kings and as a result, he began to alienate Parliament due to this ideology. During the rule of James, Parliament, and more specifically the House of Commons, contained Puritans-Protestants belonging to the Anglican Church. These Puritans desired the elimination of every trace of Roman Catholicism from the Church of England. It was believed that in the beginning, James had some secret Catholic sentiments, but over time he began expressing open hostility towards Catholics with the goal of appeasing the Puritans. This is because many of England’s upper class had converted to Puritans which, as stated above, formed as substantial part of lower Parliament, also called the House of Commons. So, in James’ mind, “ It was not wise to alienate these men .” ( The Essential World History, Volume II: Since 1500 p. 399 ). While King James I is attempting to appease the Puritans, he reintroduces recusant fines for those who did not attend Anglican services (i.e., Catholics). This was seen as the tipping point for Catholics so a group of men from the upper class, or gentry, came up with a plan to blow up the Parliament building. Their plan consisted of secretly moving 36 barrels of gunpowder in the cellar beneath the building, however, their plan was foiled due to an anonymous letter being sent to one of James’ supporters. The man who was supposed to light the gunpowder was named Guy Fawkes. He was caught in the cellar and subsequently arrested as a result of the letter. Eventually after the interrogation of Fawkes, all who were involved in the plot were caught and executed. The outcome of this failed plot had long lasting repercussions. King James I aimed at settling the religious differences within England so he approved the authorization of a new translation of the bible. Furthermore, additional legal measures were taken against Catholics after the incident, which further divided the throne and Parliament. For example, Catholics could not practice law, serve in the military, vote, etc. It would be roughly 200 years before restrictions on Catholics were lifted. During the time period of these restrictions England would see many of its citizens migrate to America. Moreover, as
grievances mounted, the country would find itself in the midst of a civil war where a more extreme group of Puritans would emerge victorious, led by Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell with his New Model Army would succeed in defeating King Charles I, James’ son, and eventually had him executed. Charles’ execution marked the end of the monarchy for a short period of time until it was decided military rule was no longer feasible after Cromwell’s death in 1658. Thus, the monarchy was restored with King Charles II, King Charles I’s son. King Charles II was sympathetic towards the Catholics and attempted to issue the Declaration of Indulgence, which suspended laws that Parliament had passed against Catholics and Puritans. Real change would not be enforced until the ascension of King James II, Charles’ son and heir to the throne. James was an open and devout Catholic and began naming other Catholics to high positions in government, military, and universities. This became the primary cause of the conflict between Parliament and the king, but Parliament was not worried because James was old and his successors-daughters, were Protestant. Unfortunately for the members of Parliament, James had a son with his second wife, whom was also a Catholic. The threat of a Catholic monarchy loomed once again so William, husband of James’ daughter Mary, and Mary raised and army and invaded England. This action forced James, his wife, and his infant son, to flee to France. Because of little bloodshed this was called the “Glorious Revolution” and as a result, Parliament offered the throne to William and Mary. They were granted the throne under the condition that Parliament would have the right to participate in the affairs of the state. Over the next century, the new system in place would prove to be the solution and real authority of limited monarchy.
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