Charles The First of England![]() Charles I was born in November 19, 1600 in Dunfermline, Scotland. Charles was the second son of king James VI and Anne of Denmark. As a child Charles was the quiet one who was always in the background. Charles as a child was a serious student who excelled at languages. Charles was overshadowed by his brother Prince Henry. But then when Charles was 12 years old Henry died. After the death of Henry, Charles and his sister Elizabeth got closer because of the death of there brother. After Henry's death made Charles heir to the throne of England, Scotland and Ireland. Also Charles became the Prince of Wale on November 3, 1616. When Charles the 1st was king there many conflicts that led to the Civil War.
Early Reign![]() He was in the throne in March 27, 1625. When he was on the throne, their was many problems that it caused a war between England and Spain. When he got crowned, he was married to Henrietta Maria of French for that they could combine there 2 countries together for war. Charles had made peace with Spain and France by 1630. Charles inherited his problems that had been between his father and Parliament. In 1628, he was presented with a petition of rights, a major dispute over the matter that was prevented by the assassination of Buckingham. The disagreement with parliament, it resumed with a speaker that refused to put forward the resolutions of the hostile that the King and was forcibly held in his seat while a vote was passed. Charles threatened to send in troops and dissolved Parliament for eleven years from 1629-1640.
Marriage![]() Charles had a marriage treaty with Louis XIII of France and was arranged for the hand of Louis sister, Henrietta Maria who was 15 years old and Charles was 25. In his marriage, Charles made many concessions to the Roman Catholics. Also, when he married Henrietta, France and England combine together . He has 4 sons and 5 daughters.
Civil War![]() England and French became allies for the war against Spain. They were problems between the French and Charles. England believed that the French were not helping them to expel the Spanish from the Palatinate. The French believed that Charles did not lived up to the religious promises of the marriage contract- to allow freedom to the English Catholics. Charles declared a war with France and Spain in 1627.
It was the difference over supplies, religion, and economic policy, it led to the Pretition. Charles forced and unpopular "Ship Money" tax raised funds. It became a big issue because the tax was from the country's defense, without the consent of the Parliament. When Charles lost the First Scottish War and he was forced to call a Parliament to request funds for a second war, but the Parliament would not oblige and he refused the King's request. After the war with the Bishops, he was desperately short of money and he was forced to recall the Parliament in 1640, it was called "The Long Parliament" because how much Charles asked for money for the war. It cost his life and he was executed. Charles raised the royalist standard at Nottingham in 1642, it was marking the opening of the Civil War. His forces defeated the Parliamentary army in the first battle of the war at Edge hill. In the English Civil War, Charles offended the Puritans of upholding their rituals of Anglican Church. He wanted his kingdom to follow only one religion. His Trial and Execution![]() he was on trial for treason, because he asked the Parliament for money for the war and they refused and he took action. Charles was put on trial in London on January 1st 1649. He was accused for being a "tyrant, traitor and murderer; and a public and implacable enemy to the Commonwealth of England."
Charles was to be tried by 135 judges that who will decide if he's guilty or not. 68 judges did not show up to the trial. The chief judge was called John Bradshaw, he was head of the high court of justice. he knew that putting Charles in jail wasn't popular and he feared about his own life, he made a hat made of metal for that Charles could protect his head from attackers. In the trial, Charles refused to defend himself, he also refused to take of his hat to respect the judges that did attend. Broadshaw announced the judgement that Charles is "he, the said Charles Stuart, as a tyrant, traitor, murderer and public enemy to the good of this nation, shall be put to death by severing of his head from his body." Charles was executed in January 30th, 1649, he was 49 years old. |