Conflict&

Constitution: Review
Overview Key Vocabulary
The Stuart dynasty spanned one of the most tumultuous Divine Right of Kings

periods in British history - years of civil war,

assassination attempts, usurpations, national disaster
Regicide
and revolution. How did it all happen? The Civil War of
the 1640s is an exciting subject in terms of the events,
characters and developments in it and also the intense Royalist
historical debate that still surrounds it.

Charles I came to power in 1625. He ruled three

Parliamentarian
kingdoms England, Ireland and Scotland but he spent
most of his time in his most powerful kingdom, England.
Like his father James he believed in the Divine Right of Puritan
Kings, in the absolute power of monarchy.

There were a number of causes of tension in England Roundhead

during this period economic, religious and political.
Charles Is belief in divine right led him to try to rule
without parliament although the need to raise additional New Model Army

money through tax finally forced him to ask for

Parliamentary assistance. Opening the door for debate
Sovereign/ Sovereignty
about the exercise of power and eventually dividing the
country between supporters of Parliament and Royalists,
supporters of Charles I. Petition of Right

Commonwealth

Ship Money

Miss Knight