Revolution, 1629–1649 study guide

Study Guide for the English Civil War (1629–1649)

1. Divisions Over Religion

• Arminianism vs. Puritanism: Understand the theological differences and their implications for governance.
• Laudianism: Explore the role of Archbishop Laud in promoting a more ceremonial form of worship and its impact on dissenters.
• Millenarianism: Investigate how this belief influenced radical groups and their visions for society.

2. Political Divisions

• Personal Rule: Analyze the implications of Charles I ruling without Parliament and the resulting discontent.
• Short and Long Parliaments: Examine the key events and legislation that emerged from these sessions.
• John Pym's Leadership: Assess Pym's role in uniting opposition against the King.

3. The Civil Wars

• First Civil War (1642-1646): Focus on the major battles, strategies, and turning points.
• Second Civil War (1648-1649): Understand the causes and consequences of this conflict.
• Royalist Defeat: Analyze the factors that contributed to the failure of the royalist cause.

4. Social Divisions

• Emergence of Radicalism: Study the rise of groups like the Levellers and their demands for social change.
• Impact of War on Society: Consider how the Civil Wars affected different social classes and communities.

5. Post-War Divisions

• Army vs. Parliament: Explore the tensions that arose after the wars and the challenges of governance.
• Failure of Settlement: Assess why a stable political settlement was not achieved.

6. Regicide

• Justifications for Regicide: Investigate the political arguments made for the execution of Charles I.
• King's Response: Analyze how Charles I confronted his fate and the implications for monarchy.