Reasons for civil war

• Divine Right:

  • Charles believed he was appointed by God and had a duty to power with them
  • Parliament believed only the overthrow of the king would resolve the problem
• Henrietta Maria:

  • Charles believed he could marry anyone, but Parliament feared England would become Catholic with a Catholic spouse
  • Religion was important at the time, leading to the belief that they had to overthrow him
• Quarrels of Scotland:

  • Charles wanted the Scottish Church to use the English Book of Prayer
  • To pay for the war, Charles had to ask Parliament for higher taxes, leading to conflict as neither side wanted to give in
• Dissolving Parliament:

  • Charles dissolved Parliament and sent them home for 11 years, angering Parliament
  • Both sides raised armies to prove who was most powerful
• Ship Tax:

  • Charles created a new tax without Parliament's approval in 1635, causing fury among Parliament and the people
  • Many supported Parliament over the king
• Archbishop Laud:

  • Charles clashed with Archbishop Laud, with Parliament and Puritans fearing a return to Catholicism
  • Both sides were willing to go to war for religious reasons
• Charles enters Parliament:

  • In January 1642, Charles tried to arrest 5 MPs, showing a lack of respect for Parliament
  • Parliament went to war as they believed Charles had broken the law