Charles I believed he was chosen by God to rule. He called it the Divine Right of Kings. Think of it like a modern CEO who thinks the company is his personal piggy bank—and refuses to listen to the board of directors.
Parliament, on the other hand, wanted a say in how the country was run. They especially wanted control over taxes and the army. Sound familiar? It’s basically the original “battle of the boss vs. the team.”
Charles kept ignoring Parliament, even dissolving it for eleven whole years. He ruled like a stubborn roommate who refuses to do the dishes, but with an army and a crown.
The Spark: Trust Issues
When Charles finally called Parliament back in 1640 to raise money for a war, things got messy. They refused to give him a penny until he fixed their grievances. It was like asking for a loan from a friend who brings up every past argument you’ve ever had.
This led to a full-blown civil war: the Royalists (supporters of the king) against the Parliamentarians (led by Oliver Cromwell). Imagine a breakup so bad that the entire country picks sides and starts fighting in the streets.
Charles lost the war. But here’s the kicker: even as a prisoner, he refused to compromise. He kept trying to make secret deals with the Scots and the Irish to restart the war. That’s like losing the championship game and then sneaking around to bribe the referees.
The Jesuits in History Jesuit Intrigues In Scotland.
