Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) was a prominent political figure in England in the 17th century. From 1653 to 1658 he served as head of state and bore the title of Lord Protector. During this period, he concentrated in his hands unlimited power, which was in no way inferior to the power of the monarch. Cromwell was born of the English Revolution, which arose as a result of the conflict between the king and parliament. The consequence of this was the dictatorship of a man from the people. It all ended with the return of the monarchy, but no longer absolute, but constitutional. This served as an impetus for the development of industry, as the bourgeoisie gained access to state power.

England before Oliver Cromwell

England has suffered many hardships. She experienced the Hundred Years' War, Thirty Years' War Scarlet and White Rose, and in the 16th century faced such a strong enemy as Spain. She had colossal possessions in America. Every year, Spanish galleons transported tons of gold across the Atlantic. Therefore, the Spanish kings were considered the richest in the world.

The British did not have gold, and there was nowhere to get it. All gold-bearing places were captured by the Spaniards. Of course, America is huge, but all the free space was considered unpromising for quick enrichment. And the British came to a very simple conclusion: since there is nowhere to get gold, then they need to rob the Spaniards and take away the yellow metal from them.

Residents of Foggy Albion took up this with great passion and enthusiasm. The names of the famous English corsairs are still on everyone’s lips. This is Francis Drake, Walter Raleigh, Martin Frobisher. Under the leadership of these people, coastal Spanish cities were devastated, the local population was destroyed, and sea caravans with gold were captured.

Soon there was not a single person left in England who would object to the robberies of Spanish ships. The gold bars that the corsairs brought into the country looked very impressive. Everyone understood that it was profitable to rob the Spaniards, but it was necessary to save political face. Therefore, an ideological basis was provided for the brazen criminal robbery.

The Spaniards are Catholics, therefore, God himself ordered the English to become Protestants. People began en masse to reconsider their religious views. Very soon Protestantism in England triumphed against the wishes of Queen Mary, nicknamed Bloody. She was a true Catholic, but her sister Elizabeth, who has much more human blood on her conscience, expressed an ardent desire to become a Protestant.

Elizabeth I earned the respect of everyone and was nicknamed the “Virgin Queen.” For her time, she was the best queen. After all, with her blessing, corsair ships set off to rob and kill the Spaniards. Elizabeth received her percentage of the income from sea robberies. At the same time, everyone became richer, and the state treasury was always filled with gold coins.

But there was one big disadvantage in this issue, which directly related to royal power. The robberies were carried out by people close to the royal court. Naturally, they died, and the environment supporting the king weakened. But the parliamentary party, on the contrary, grew stronger. She grew stronger every day and sought to limit the power of the king.

It was of great help that, in accordance with the English Constitution, it was Parliament that determined the amount of taxes. The king could not take even a farthing of his own free will. And so the parliament, under various pretexts, began to deny the king subsidies. On this basis, a conflict arose, and the king found the strength to speak out against parliament. That is, he trampled on the constitution - the fundamental law of any state.

The name of this daring ruler was Charles I (1600-1649). He wanted to be a full-fledged autocrat, like all other European sovereigns. In this he was supported by wealthy peasants, nobles and English Catholics. The royal claims were opposed by the rich from the City, the common poor population and Protestants.

English Revolution

In January 1642, Charles I ordered the arrest of the 5 most influential members of parliament. But they disappeared in time. Then the king left London and went to York, where he began to gather an army. In October 1642, the royal army moved towards the capital of England. It was during this period that Oliver Cromwell entered the historical arena.

He was a poor rural landowner and had no experience military service. In 1628 he was elected a member of parliament, but Cromwell remained in this capacity only until 1629. By the authority of the king, parliament was dissolved. The occasion was the “Petition of Right,” expanding the rights of the legislature. This ended the political career of our still young hero.

Cromwell was again elected to Parliament in 1640. He led a small group of fanatical sectarians. They were called Independents and rejected any church - Catholic and Protestant. At the meetings, the future Lord Protector actively opposed the privileges of church officials and demanded that the power of the monarch be limited.

With the beginning of the English Revolution, a parliamentary army was created. Our hero joins it with the rank of captain. He rallies around himself independents. They hate everything church so much that they are ready to sacrifice their lives for their overthrow.

These people were called iron-sided or round-headed because they cut their hair in a circle. And the king's supporters wore long hair and could not resist the fanatics. They fought for an idea, for faith, and therefore were spiritually more resilient.

In 1643, Oliver Cromwell became a colonel, and his military unit increased to 3 thousand people. Before the start of the battle, all the soldiers sing psalms and then rush at the enemy with fury. It is thanks to the fortitude of the spirit, and not the military leadership abilities of the newly made colonel, that victories are won over the royalists (monarchists).

Next year our hero is awarded the rank of general. He wins one victory after another and turns into one of the leading commanders of the English Revolution. But all this is only thanks to religious fanatics who rallied around their leader.

In the English Parliament building

At the same time, parliament is characterized by indecisiveness. He issues stupid orders and delays military operations. All this really irritates our hero. He goes to London and publicly accuses parliamentarians of cowardice. After this, Cromwell declares that victory requires a completely different army, which should consist of professional military men.

The result is the creation of a new type of army. This is a mercenary army, which includes people with extensive combat experience. General Thomas Fairfax is appointed commander-in-chief, and our hero becomes chief of the cavalry.

On June 14, 1645, the royalists suffered a crushing defeat at the Battle of Nasby. Charles I is left without an army. He flees to Scotland, his ancestral homeland. But the Scots are very stingy people. And they sell their fellow countryman for money.

The king is captured, but in November 1647 he escapes and gathers a new army. But military happiness turns away from the king. He again suffers a crushing defeat. This time Cromwell is relentless. He demands from parliament the death penalty for Charles I. Most parliamentarians are against it, but behind our hero are the iron-sided. This is a real military force, and parliament is giving in. On January 30, 1649, the king's head was cut off.

Cromwell in power

On May 19, 1649, England is declared a republic. The state council becomes the head of the country. Oliver Cromwell is first a member and then chairman. At the same time, royalist control over Ireland was established. They are turning it into a springboard from which they are preparing an attack on England.

Our hero becomes the head of the army and heads to Ireland. Royalist sentiments are burned out with fire and sword. A third of the population dies. The Ironsides spare neither children nor women. Then it’s Scotland’s turn, which nominates the eldest son of the executed monarch, Charles II, as king. In Scotland, a complete victory is achieved, but the pretender to the throne manages to escape.

After this, Cromwell returns to London and begins the internal transformation of the new state. The conflict between parliament and the army is getting worse. The Ironsides want to completely reform church and state power. Parliament categorically objects. Our hero takes the side of the army, and on December 12, 1653, parliament dissolves itself. Already on December 16, 1653, Oliver Cromwell became Lord Protector of the English Republic. All state power is concentrated in his hands.

The newly created dictator refuses to place the crown on his head, but legitimizes the right to single-handedly appoint his successor to the post of Lord Protector. A new parliament is elected, because England is a republic, not a kingdom. But the deputies are “pocket”; they meekly carry out the will of the dictator.

Our hero enjoys absolute power for less than 5 years. He dies on September 3, 1658. The causes of death are said to be poisoning and severe psychological trauma in connection with the death of his daughter Elizabeth. She died in the summer of 1658. Be that as it may, the dictator leaves for another world. He is given a magnificent funeral, and his body is placed in the tomb of the crowned English heads. It is located in Westminster Abbey.

Death mask of Oliver Cromwell

Before Oliver dies, he appoints a successor. He becomes his son Richard. But this man is the complete opposite of his father. He is a merry fellow, a rake and a drunkard. Besides, Richard hates ironsides. He is drawn to the royalists. With them he wanders around London, drinks wine, writes poetry.

For some time he tries to fulfill the duties of Lord Protector, but then he gets tired of it. He voluntarily gives up power, and parliament is left alone.

General Lambert takes power. This is the leader of the Ironsides. But without Cromwell, General Monk, the commander of the corps in Scotland, very quickly takes it from him. He wants to stay at the state trough and invites Charles II Stuart to return to the throne.

The king returned, the people strewed his path with flowers. There were tears of happiness in people's eyes. Everyone said: “Thank God, it’s all over.”

On January 30, 1661, the day of the execution of Charles I, the remains of the former dictator were removed from the grave and hanged on the gallows. Then they cut off the head of the corpse, impaled it and put it on public display near Westminster Abbey. The body was cut into small pieces and thrown into sewage. England has entered a new historical era.

Political system Independent Republic and Protectorate. 1649 - 1659

1. The king lost civil war and was captured and executed by court order.

The House of Commons is the legislative body and collective head of state

Head of the Executive Branch – State Council responsible to parliament (from deputies and the leadership of the army), however, real power belonged to the military council of generals led by Cromwell.

Courts of tradition (common law and equity) were declared independent from other authorities.

There was no stability in the republic due to a violation of political and legal tradition. This led to a struggle between parliament and the army leadership.

2. In December 1653 the army created a state. Coup. Parliament was dissolved. Power was transferred to the Lord Protector - O. Cromwell. Who prepared a new const. "Tool of Control". A regime of Cromwell's personal power is created while preserving republican institutions.

· Cromwell – head of state; state Council; commander-in-chief, exercises legislative power together with parliament

· Parliament – ​​convened periodically; approved Taxes, officials incl. tread.

· Council of State - helps the lord govern the state

· Higher officials – chancellor, keeper of the seal, treasurer. Admiral; Governors of Scotland and Ireland

The protectorate gradually evolved towards the monarchy (the protector's right to appoint a successor - preparation for the Cromwell dynasty), but in 1658 Cromwell died.

Restoration regime in England. Habeas corpus act. The essence of the glorious revolution. Bill of rights.

1. On September 3, 1658, Oliver Cromwell died. His son, Richard, who failed to retain power, became protector. In 1659 he was forced to abdicate in favor of the republic, but the regime of the powerless republic was not at all effective, so Parliament decided to restore the Stuart monarchy.

The son of Charles I, Charles II, is invited from Holland, who restores the formula of the king in parliament

Even before returning to England, Charles guaranteed the rights of parliament and subjects and amnesty for revolutionaries by signing the Declaration of Breda, but soon broke his promises.

· Revolutionaries and participants in my father's execution were executed

· The rights of the Church of England were restored

· The verification of the proprietary rights of small holders has begun

· Re-establishment of the Privy Council

All this led to opposition and the division of parliament into 2 militant wings - Tories, supporters of the king, Whigs - supporters of limiting the rights of the king.

2. Parliament in 1679 sought the adoption of a constitutional act of pre-trial protection, Habeas corpus act.

Within the prescribed period (within 3 days usually and within 20 days if from 20 to 100 miles), the arrested person must be brought to court, where he will be told the grounds for the arrest. Release pending trial on bail is possible. The re-arrest of those who were not released on bail was prohibited. The cases of those who were not released on bail were considered out of turn. It was forbidden to be kept in prison far from the place of residence or the place where the crime was committed.

3. James II, an absolutist and Catholic, ensured that the entire English establishment turned away from him. As a result, he was bloodlessly overthrown by William of Orange (Protestant and liberal). Two kings sat on the throne at once. Mary Stuart (daughter of James) and William of Orange - thus, the Glorious Revolution provided the opportunity to carry out the necessary changes while maintaining legal tradition and continuity.

1688 – The Freedom of Religion Bill was passed.

1689 – Bill of Rights (Rights of Parliament)

· Legislative supremacy of parliament

· Only parliament can interrupt the operation of the law and repeal the effect of the law

· Parliament agrees to taxes

· Periodic convening of parliament

· Parliamentary immunity

1695 – Law of Law Act – The King is subject to the law (meaning England now has a constitutional monarchy)

The king retains the right of absolute veto, but since 1707 the veto has not been used; a constitutional custom has arisen.

Act of constitution (on succession to the throne): parliament determined the subsequent royal dynasty, on the subordinate legislation of royal power and the king’s affiliation with the Church of England, countersignature (control over the actions of the king), impeachment of the king’s ministers, the possibility of removing judges by decision of parliament

Empire in France

December 2, 1851 – state Coup, dispersal of national Meetings, the transfer of full power to Napoleon.

10 Jan 1852 – a new constitution was approved by referendum. Napoleon became president for 10 years.

Amendments were made on November 7, 1852, an empire was proclaimed by referendum. Napoleon's power is hereditary

Personal power regime

Emperor– head of state; appointment Judges and officials

Zak-dat power– 3 chambers:

1. State Council - prepares the order. Projects - assigned Napoleon

2. Zak. Council – accepts or rejects projects. Elected by direct elections but according to lists approved by the emperor

3. The Senate is a body of constant control and change. Appointed by the emperor.

Popular sovereignty through – is expressed by entrusting the people to the emperor

In 1st period. 1852-63

Policing; Censorship; control over the church and education.

Serious social policy; support for peasants and workers. The idea of ​​restoring the prestige of France. The goal is the destruction of the Vienna system.

1859 – Crisis of the Empire. The liberal opposition is gaining strength. Businessmen howl from bureaucratic arbitrariness. The workers do not support the empire since the labor movement was led by Marxists.

In 1867 the opposition forced the authorities to resort to liberal reforms. Abolition of censorship. Freedom of assembly.

The opposition wins the elections of 1869.

1870 Napoleon is forced to change the constitution - a 2 chamber parliament appears (1 Senate - appointed by the emperor) and a lower house directly elected by the population and controlling the government

On July 19, 1870, the Franco-Prussian War began, and already on September 2, the French army led by Napoleon surrendered to the mercy of the victors. The empire is over.

Paris Commune

Was elected

The head of the state, the Commune Council (legislative body), forms the government and the food commission. 1 of these commissions controlled the others.

The commune deputies were the leaders of the districts. Those. there was no separation of powers.

This is a new type of state, it was supposed to create a federation of communes in France.

Social policy of the commune:

1. Support for production cooperatives (abandoned enterprise owners)

2. Worker control

4. Support for the disabled

Military actions led to the creation of emergency bodies

PUBLIC SALVATION COMMITTEE

REVIEW TRIBUNAL

At the end of May 1871 the city was taken by the troops of Thiers.

Constitution of 1946.

2. 2nd chamber parliament– Legislative Assembly:

1. Council of the Republic - 6 years, after 3 years it is renewed by half. Direct elections. The powers are narrow. Advisory body with legislative powers. Initiatives

2. The National Assembly is the legislative body. Has the right to initiate and adopt acts. Indirect elections. Residents elect officials, officials vote for deputies.

3. The president– elected for 7 years. National Assembly. All acts must be countersigned. Appoints judges and the prime minister (but the parliament nominates the prime minister to the president)

4.Premier– in fact, the head of the state (election initiative; commander in chief) the government actually forms the parliament.

The regime of the 4th republic is extremely unstable. In 12 years - 21 governments. There is no 2 party system.

In order to formalize a 2-party system, the electoral law is being changed. A majoritarian system is being introduced. However, this doesn't help. 4 the republic ceases to exist.

COEXISTENCE

In 1985, under the socialist president François Mitterrand (both times Mitterrand urgently dissolved parliament as soon as he was elected president in order to ensure himself a majority for 5 years of his presidential term, but both times, the last 2 years, he received a right-wing majority and appointed a right-wing prime minister)

The prime minister duplicated some of the presidential powers, and the form of government became parliamentary-presidential. The regime was called coexistence.

In 2002 constitutional changes. President and national The assembly is elected for 5 years. The election dates are getting closer.

2008 – President for no more than 2 terms

Marriage and family law

· recognition of civil marriage only.

· Marriage was considered not a private contract, but a state-social institution.

· The church form of marriage was not prohibited

· The monogamy of marriage and the impossibility of entering into another marriage without ending the previous one were established.

Conditions for a valid marriage:

· Age - 21 for men, 16 for women.

· Consent of the father of the bride

· No other marriage

Lack of close kinship

· State registration

Relations between spouses in marriage were regulated traditionally, with the dominant will of the husband being consolidated. Spouses were obliged to live together, be faithful, and maintain a joint household; The husband was obliged to provide his wife with maintenance appropriate to her position. The dominant role of the husband continued to be expressed in the fact that he had the right to resolve all issues in his own way life together, choose a place of residence. However, such dominance was no longer absolute. In particular, the wife could not obey her husband’s decision if it seemed to her an abuse of right.

A woman did not lose her legal capacity during marriage. Moreover, in the household she had the priority right to all actions. Transactions and legal actions within these limits implied the consent of the husband, which could only be limited by the special establishment of guardianship over the wife.

· Regime of community of property of spouses

· It is possible to conclude a marriage contract

· During the marriage, the husband managed all the family assets, including those “contributed” by the wife. However, the husband had to manage his wife’s property “correctly,” and to dispose of it, he had to seek her consent. The wife had full control over her personal belongings, including jewelry, as well as those received as a gift, acquired through her labor or independently running an enterprise.

· allowed only in court

· the presence of legal reasons (adultery, commission of a crime, malicious abandonment, violation of the obligations of marriage, including cruel treatment of a spouse).

The institution of paternal authority over children has become largely conditional. The mother was also obliged and had the right to take care of the children's personalities. The father could use the children's property. The father remained able to resort to corrective measures against his child, but they were not imposed arbitrarily, but by decision of the guardianship court.

The difference between the rights of legitimate and illegitimate children remained. In relation to the mother, illegitimate children were considered on an equal basis with her legitimate children; in relation to the father, kinship was not recognized. However, illegitimate children could demand alimony from their father until they reached the age of 16. The inheritance rights of children varied accordingly. Only legitimate children enjoyed the right to an obligatory share in the inheritance.

Inheritance (5th book):

1) by law

Inheritance by law occurs if:
– the will is declared invalid (in whole or in part);
– the testator did not leave a will;
– the will does not cover all inherited property;
– there are persons entitled to an obligatory share.
The opening of an inheritance occurs according to three criteria:
1) base ( physical death, recognition of a person as dead or missing);
2) time (moment of death, date of a court decision declaring a person dead (missing);
3) place (place of residence of the testator, location of the main part of his property).

German law, when inheriting by law, established a system of “parantellas” (lines), which were a group of relatives descended from a common ancestor.

The first parantella consisted of the descending heirs (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc. of the testator);
the second parantella - parents and their descendants (i.e. the parents of the testator, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren); the third parantella is the grandfather and grandmother of the testator and their descendants, etc.

The testator can appoint an heir by unilateral disposition in the event of death (testament, last will). The testator may, by will, exclude a relative or spouse from legal inheritance without appointing an heir.

The heir can accept the inheritance or renounce it as soon as the inheritance has opened. You cannot accept or renounce an inheritance by limiting yourself to any part of it.

2) By will

The testator has the right to choose one of the forms established by law:
– handwritten – entirely written and signed by the testator (personal seal);
– public (notarial) – written or oral (recorded by a notary, judge) statement in the presence of a notary (or judge) and witnesses. Failure to comply with the form prescribed by law makes the will invalid.

As a rule, wills drawn up by mentally ill, mentally ill, or mentally healthy people in a state of passion are invalid. Minors are allowed to make a will - from 16 years of age

Causes of the conflict between the king and parliament. Petition of Right and the Great Remonstrance.

In the 16th century, royal power in England acquired the features of an absolute monarchy, this is associated with the great geo. Openings and influx of funds.

The king seeks to expand his influence: (Power over the church - the Church of England, the establishment of an extraordinary court - the star chamber; the privy council - which prepared acts not approved by parliament - ordinances; Prof. Army)

In the 17th century, the Stuart dynasty became kings (Catholics and supporters of classical Absolutism, without parliament) James 1 published the manifesto “The True Law of a Free Monarchy”, which said that the king can change the law and create any authorities. This idea of ​​destroying the tradition of government together with parliament.

In response, the king was told the “Apology of the House of Commons,” which stated that the highest power of England according to the constitution is the King, ruling together with parliament. The king violates the constitution and political and legal tradition of England. This is where the conflict lies.

Another important aspect was the church component of the conflict. The Anglican Church in many ways did not suit the new nobility and the bourgeoisie, largely consisting of Protestants. The Anglican Church absorbed a lot from Catholicism - the institution of bishops, magnificent ceremonies. The opposition did not like this

2. James 1 and his son Charles 1 consistently defend absolutism, parliament is losing its influence and is convened less and less (from 1611 - 1640 it worked for a total of 2 years)

However, the crown could not completely abandon parliament because the population refused to pay taxes approved by parliament.

In 1628, parliament was convened, which adopted a parliamentary act: the Petition of Right (which declares the impossibility of violating the constitution. Violations of the rights of parliament and individual rights are condemned through extraordinary proceedings. A ban on taxation without the consent of parliament. The king signs the act, but then almost annulled its significance and dissolved parliament

3. In 1640, Charles is defeated in Scotland. The population does not support the king and does not pay taxes established without parliament. The king is forced to convene parliament, which he immediately dissolves (short parliament), but, assessing the seriousness of the situation, he is immediately forced to convene again. Long Parliament. Immediately adopts several acts restoring parity between parliament and the king.

1. An act prohibiting convening parliament less than once every 3 years

2. An act prohibiting the dissolution of parliament, otherwise than by an act of parliament

3. Act on the abolition of the Star Chamber and the prohibition of emergency proceedings

And then he consolidated these acts with the Great Remonstrance, in which, among other things, he demanded:

1. Deprive bishops of the right to sit in parliament

2. Abolition of royal monopolies

4. Limitation of the powers of the Privy Council

The king did not sign the Great Remonstrance, which led to a deadlock situation of dual power and civil war.

Questions at the beginning of a paragraph

Question. What is absolutism? How did the features of absolutism manifest themselves in England at the end of the 16th – beginning of the 17th centuries?

Absolutism is a form of government in which supreme power belongs unlimitedly to one person - the monarch.

Features of absolutism in England at the end of the 16th – beginning of the 17th centuries. manifested itself in the fact that the kings tried to reduce the importance of Parliament, deprive the feudal lords of power (transfer local power and courts into the hands of royal officials and judges), create a regular army and navy and ban feudal armies.

Questions in a paragraph

Question. Explain the meaning of the image. How does the author evaluate Cromwell's activities?

The meaning of this image is that the oak tree was a symbol of royal power. By cutting it down, Cromwell abolished the monarchy in England.

Questions at the end of the paragraph

Question 1. Write down: a) the names of the participants in the revolution; 6) terms characterizing political bodies and political activities.

A) Charles I, O. Cromwell, Price. Cook.

B) The Long Parliament, cavaliers, roundheads, ironsides, a new model army, “pride purge”, “Great Remonstrance”.

Question 2. Who were the Puritans? Show the connection between their teaching and lifestyle.

Puritans (from the Latin “purus” - pure) were staunch Protestants who sought to cleanse the Anglican Church of the remnants of Catholicism. Many Puritans adhered to the teachings of John Calvin. The main virtue for the Puritans was a sense of duty. They monitored their behavior in society, tried to show restraint, led a measured lifestyle, got up early and never remained idle. A lifestyle developed in which thrift and hard work were the main values. The Puritans demanded that the Anglican Church be cleansed of lavish services, demanding the abolition of the office of bishops, accusing them of serving not God, but the king. The Puritans carefully studied the Holy Scriptures, trying to understand the will of God, whose laws they deeply revered. Many believed in the divine origin of royal power, but for them this power was legitimate only if it adhered to the old English laws and traditions and respected parliament .

Question 3. Make a plan in your notebook on the topic “Causes of the Revolution in England.”

New Dynasty;

Political reasons: the king’s desire for absolutism, the conflict between the king and parliament;

Economic reasons: new taxes, violation of trade laws;

Religious reasons: defense of Anglicanism and persecution of Puritans;

Foreign policy reasons: rapprochement with Catholic France and Spain;

The actions of King Charles I, which aggravated the contradictions.

Summoning of the Long Parliament

Question 5. Name the forces that supported the king and the forces that supported parliament. Explain this balance of power.

The king was supported by nobles - large landowners, who were called cavaliers; Parliament was supported by poor nobles and the urban bourgeoisie, who were called roundheads. The economically more backward northern and western counties came under the king's banner. The more economically developed southeast supported parliament.

Question 6. Explain the reasons for the victory of the army of parliament over the army of the king.

The main reason was the creation of a single army - a “new model army” consisting of volunteers, mainly peasants, artisans, and factory workers. At the head of the army was the energetic nobleman Oliver Cromwell, who proposed new battle tactics. The reason was also the belief of the parliamentary army that they were ridding the country of tyranny.

Question 7. Start compiling a calendar of events on the topic “English Revolution”. Complete the table "Reforms of the Long Parliament". Columns of the table: “Year”, “Content of the reform”, “Significance of the reform”.

Assignments for the paragraph

Question 1. Assess the activities of Charles I.

Charles I, who had such character traits as pride, temper, instability, hypocrisy, did not resolve the contradictions in English society (between Catholics and Protestants. Between Anglicans and Puritans, between the crown and parliament), but in many ways contributed to their aggravation. He did not recognize the powers of Parliament and the traditions of parliamentarism in England and believed that the power of the king could not be limited by his subjects. Therefore, he considered it possible to refuse his own promises, as he did by refusing to comply with the “Petition of Right” he himself signed. Charles I further escalated the conflict by dissolving Parliament and imposing new taxes without its consent. Subsequently, Charles reconvened parliament, but refused to compromise with it. And even after defeat in the civil war, he remained unconvinced and did not want reconciliation. Therefore, the actions of Charles I can be assessed negatively; in many ways, his actions became the cause of the revolution.

Question 2. Do you think the execution of the king was necessary for the victory of the revolution? Give reasons for your point of view.

Yes, the execution of the king was necessary, because... he was not going to compromise with Parliament, but at the same time remained the legitimate king of England, even if Parliament decided to depose him. In addition, he had an heir and supporters, for whom he would always be the supreme ruler, which means they would not accept the power of parliament.

Question 3. Trace the relationship between reforms and revolutionary events. Draw a conclusion.

The relationship between reforms and revolutionary events lies in the fact that they were aimed at limiting the monarchy and strengthening the powers of parliament. The only difference was the radicality of the changes (the reforms offered softer forms of restrictions, the revolution decisively abolished the monarchy and introduced a republic).

Questions about the document

Question 1. What were the reasons for the creation of this document? Discuss with your classmates whether the demands of the “Great Remonstration” meet the political traditions of English society.

The “Great Remonstrance” was an act of Parliament that was a list of abuses of royal power. The creation of the “Great Remonstrance” was caused by the desire to justify the actions of Charles I as violating English traditions and laws. Yes, they answer, because The king of England traditionally did not make political and economic decisions, especially those related to taxes, without parliament.

Question 2. Make a list of the main charges brought by the court against Charles I. Express your opinion on the court’s decision. Propose another solution and prove its feasibility under the given historical conditions.

Intentions to establish and hold in one's hands unlimited tyrannical power to rule the country at will, to destroy the rights and liberties of the people;

Declared a treasonous and criminal war against the real Parliament and the people;

He was the inspiration and reason why thousands of free people were killed.

The court's decision was political and unfair, because the verdict was known before it was pronounced by the court.

Another option could be the expulsion of the king from England.

• Development of feudal statehood in England
• Feudal Monarchy XI – XIII centuries.
  • Formation of a new monarchy
  • Strengthening royal power
  • Reforms of Henry II
• Estate monarchy XIII – XV centuries.
  • Class system
  • Magna Carta
  • Changes in the system of power and management
• Absolute monarchy of the 16th – mid-17th centuries.
  • Political centralization
  • Absolutism and the Church
  • Royal administration
  • Political doctrine of absolutism
• The formation of the English Parliament
  • The emergence of parliament
  • Composition of Parliament. Beginning of suffrage
  • Competence of Parliament
  • Crown and Parliament
• Development of feudal statehood in France
• Feudal (seniorial) monarchy X – XIII centuries.
  • Formation of the French Kingdom
  • Formation of the royal administration
  • Reforms of Louis IX
• Estate monarchy XIV – XV centuries.
  • Strengthening royal power
  • Estates General
  • State administration
• Completion of state centralization: XVI – early XVII centuries.
  • National political association
  • Centralization of the state system
  • "Regular Monarchy" Richelieu
• Development of feudal statehood in Germany
• "Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation"
  • Formation of German statehood
  • Organization of the fief monarchy
  • Political fragmentation of the empire
  • State system Empire XIV – XV centuries.
• Development of territorial statehood: Prussia
  • Formation of the Prussian State
  • The emergence of absolutism in Prussia
• Development of state organization in Italy: city-republics
  • Medieval states in Italy
  • Formation of the Florentine Commune
  • State organization of Florence
  • Development of the Venetian Republic
  • Institutions of power in Venice
• Development of feudal statehood in Spain
  • Formation of Spanish states
  • Early monarchy
  • Estate monarchy
  • Affirmation of absolutism
• Formation of feudal states among the Slavic peoples
  • Slavs in the 1st millennium
  • Formation of the Polish state
  • Development of Czech statehood
  • Bulgarian kingdom
  • Yugoslav states
• Development of public self-government in feudal Europe
  • State and self-government
  • Community self-government
  • The formation of zemstvo self-government
  • City government
  • Professional-estate self-government
• Roman law in medieval Europe
  • Roman law in barbarian kingdoms
  • Revival of Roman law. Glossators
  • Commentators (postglossators)
  • Roman law on the threshold of modern times
• Formation of the judicial and legal system of England
  • The formation of “common law” justice
  • Common law principles
  • Court of Chancery ("justice")
  • Equity
• Development of French law in the X – XVII centuries.
  • Formation of feudal kutyums
  • Kutyum law
  • Royal justice. Parliaments
  • Royal legislation
• Development of German law in the X – XVI centuries.
  • The formation of general imperial law
  • "Saxon Mirror"
  • Feudal court
  • Criminal Code of Charles V
• The formation of the law of Slavic peoples
  • Development of Polish law
  • Czech land law
  • "Lawman" by Stefan Dusan
• Town law of medieval Europe
  • Formation of city law
  • Urban structure and status of citizens
  • Property relations and commercial law
  • Criminal law
• Canon law of the Roman Catholic Church
  • Formation of a church organization
  • Formation and systematization of church law
  • Church justice
  • Marriage and family law
• Statehood of the Byzantine Empire
  • Formation and development of the imperial state
  • Imperial power
  • Administrative system
  • Imperial bureaucracy
  • Local and military administration
  • State and Church
  • Crisis and fall of Byzantium
• Evolution of the socio-legal system of Byzantium
  • Class system
  • Dependent population
  • Peasant community. "Agricultural Law"
  • State feudalism
• Judicial and legal system of the Byzantine Empire
  • Development of legislation
  • Court and legal proceedings
  • Changes in private law
  • Criminal law
• Military-feudal empires of medieval Asia
• Arab Caliphate
  • The emergence and development of the Arab Empire
  • Organization of power and management
  • Judicial system
• Mongol military nomadic empire
  • Formation of the Great Mongol State
  • Military-political system
  • Civil administration
• Formation of the Ottoman Empire
  • Formation of Turkish statehood
  • System of power and control
  • Military system
  • Local government
• Law and court in the Ottoman Empire
  • Basics of the legal system
  • Kanun-name (codes)
  • Justice Organization
  • Civil and property relations
  • Marriage and family law
  • Criminal law
• Development of the feudal state in Japan
  • Formation of Japanese statehood
  • Feudal-feudal system. Shogunate
  • Centralization of the country. Tokugawa Shogunate
• Law of medieval Japan (Taiho-ritsuryo code)
  • Formation of ancient law
  • Administrative law
  • Legal proceedings
  • Criminal law
  • Marriage and family law
• The formation of international law
  • Law of War
  • International treaty
  • Diplomatic law
• State and Law of the New Time
• State and law of modern times
• Revolution in the Netherlands and formation of the Republic
  • State status of the Netherlands and administration in the 16th century.
  • The fight against Spain and the formation of a new statehood
  • Fundamentals of the Constitution
  • Organization of power and administration of the Republic
  • Confederal structure
• English revolution of the mid-17th century.
  • State-political crisis of the early 17th century.
  • Conflict between Crown and Parliament
  • Long Parliament and political reforms
  • Collapse of the monarchy and establishment of the Republic
  • Military dictatorship regime. Protectorate
  • Crisis of the Republican Dictatorship
• Establishment of a constitutional monarchy in England
  • Restoration of the monarchy
  • "Glorious Revolution"
  • Political and legal foundations of the constitution
  • The doctrine of "separation of powers"
  • Development of the state and political system of Great Britain in the 18th-19th centuries.
• Monarchy and government
  • Status of the Crown
  • Privy Council
  • Government
  • Central administration
• Parliament and political parties
  • Parliament
  • Development of suffrage
  • Institutionalization of political parties
• Development of English justice and law in the 17th-19th centuries.
  • Habeas corpus Act
  • Criminal justice
  • Civil justice
  • Judicial reform 1872-1875

Conflict between Crown and Parliament

James I and Charles I consistently defended the prerogatives of the crown and the priority of the principles of absolutism to the detriment of the historical constitution of England. The practical influence of parliament on state affairs weakened: from 1611 to 1640, parliament did not meet for a total of two years. The crown preferred to do without parliament, because it encountered constant opposition in it.

And it could not do without taxes and subsidies approved by Parliament, because the opposition population refused to pay taxes, and the courts took a dual position in this, following the principles of “common law” (in 1629, Parliament directly decided that “the enemy of English freedom is the one who will pay taxes not approved by parliament").

Since 1614, parliament has been 2/3 Puritan in composition. A constant motive for his activities was the adoption of various kinds of resolutions on his political priority. This led, as a rule, to the rapid dissolution of the representative office. Parliament's claim to supremacy was particularly stated in the resolutions of December 18, 1621: “All the liberties, privileges, powers, and judicial powers of Parliament are the hereditary property of every Englishman; Parliament has the right to interfere in all public affairs, no one except the House itself has power over any member of it.” The angry James I personally appeared in parliament and tore out a sheet of paper with this entry from the protocol, then dissolving parliament.

Charles I's first attempts to find political agreement with parliament also ended in failure. The parliament convened in Oxford in 1626 (there was a plague in London) refused subsidies to the crown due to disagreement over the war with Spain and the policies of the Duke of Buckingham's government. Parliament, which met again in 1628, proposed a special act to the king - the Petition of Right.

The petition basically declared the foundations of the historical constitution of the kingdom, confirmed the rights of parliament, including the exclusive vote of taxes, and condemned the actions of the royal administration in violation of the established laws of the kingdom. The petition was initially accepted by the king. But then, relying on the opposition of the Anglican Church, Charles I practically nullified its significance and dissolved Parliament.

In the new parliament, a more decisive opposition formed (around deputies O. Cromwell, G. Pym, Hampden, etc.), which led the political discussion without the usual reverence for the crown: the king is called upon to help the kingdom, or the parliament will do without him. Explaining the reason for the dissolution of Parliament and the reservation regarding the Petition of Right before the House of Lords. Charles I directly named among them “the rebellious behavior of several vipers.”

After the dissolution of parliament in 1629, there followed 11 years of non-parliamentary rule, during which the crisis of power and opposition to the crown took forms that anticipated civil war. The government of the king's new minister, the Earl of Strafford, acted “at the drop of a hat,” regardless of either tradition or the agreements in the Petition of Right. Emigration from the country to the New World increased (about 20 thousand people went over these years, most of them supporters of new religious movements). In 1636, due to the crown's attempts to introduce episcopal government and new church rites in Scotland, an armed Scottish uprising began, which turned out to be impossible to suppress due to the weakness of the internal army and the lack of subsidies for it. In fact, during the uprising, which developed into an open Anglo-Scottish war, English absolutism was actually broken.

In April 1640, the king convened a new parliament (called the Short), from which he demanded 12 financial subsidies. Parliament put forward counter-demands and was dissolved. However, the knighthood of the counties, assembled by the crown for the Scottish war, put forward a petition about the poor state of the kingdom. The convening of a new parliament was the beginning of the revolution and the collapse of the monarchy in England.

However, the system of medieval relations in the first third of the 17th century. was already seriously hindering the further development of England. Power in England was in the hands of the feudal nobility, whose interests were represented by the king. Absolutism especially strengthened in England in the 16th century, when parliament was completely subjugated to the king and royal power. Privy Council and emergency courts operated "Star Chamber", "High Commission". At the same time, the English king did not have the right to collect taxes without the permission of Parliament. In the event of the outbreak of war, the king needed to convene parliament to obtain permission for a one-time tax and establish its size. House of Commons

At the end of the 16th century. relations between the king and parliament became strained because the English kings sought to strengthen absolutism, believing that the power of the king was given by God and could not be bound by any earthly laws. The English Parliament consisted of two houses - upper and lower; top - House of Lords- was a hereditary assembly of the English nobility, it enjoyed the right of veto. Lower - House of Commons - more representative, but less noble. Only property owners enjoyed voting rights, so nobles sat in the House of Commons from the county. They could also represent cities, since cities were on the land of a noble and wealthy nobleman.

In 1603, after the death of the childless Queen Elizabeth Tudor, the throne passed to James VI, King of Scotland, the first king of the dynasty Stuarts on the English throne. He was crowned King of England under the name Jacob (Jacob) I. The king simultaneously ruled both England and Scotland. Without the permission of parliament, James I began to collect old duties and introduce new ones, thereby violating the established customs of the country. Parliament did not approve subsidies to the king. James I began to resort to the mass sale of titles. Thus, in 1611, a new title of baronet was established, which could be received by any nobleman who paid 1 thousand pounds to the treasury. Art. The king defended guild restrictions and prohibited new inventions. The foreign policy of the king also caused dissatisfaction, who, contrary to the expectations of the fight against Catholic Spain - England's rival in the seizure of colonies - spent ten years seeking an alliance with her. The confrontation between parliament and the king continued throughout the entire period of the king's reign. The king dissolved parliament three times and did not convene it at all for seven years.

In 1625 after the death of James I English throne occupied by the king Charles/, who shared the absolutist beliefs of his father King James I. The illegal collection of taxes (contrary to the Bill of Rights) aroused indignation in Parliament, and in 1629 it was again dissolved by Charles I. After this, he ruled himself for 11 years, extracting money through extortions, fines and monopolies. Wanting to introduce a unified Episcopal Church, the king persecuted Puritanism. The majority in the House of Commons of Parliament were Puritans. Distrust of him increased when, against the wishes of English society, he married a French princess, a Catholic daughter of King Henry IV. Therefore, the ideological banner of the struggle of the revolutionary opposition to absolutism became puritanism, and was headed by parliament.

The new nobility and dissident clergy were completely excluded from participating in government affairs, and censorship was tightened. Trade in monopolies again became unlimited, which caused prices to rise. The disruption of trade and industry, increased emigration - the result of the policy of Charles I. The population in the country was starving and rioting, street riots began in the capital, and Scotland declared war on England.