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..for the Week of February 28, 2000
...for the Week of February 21, 2000
Dating back to King John and the first Magna Carta in 1215, the English have a history of distrusting their monarchs. But as the other kings and queens of Europe began to grow into absolute, rather than limited, monarchies, English rulers begin to realize their weakness. Trying to usurp the power of Parliament, King James I adheres to divine right. When his son, Charles, follows suit, Parliament, and in particular on puritan member, Oliver Cromwell, take offense. When Charles refuses to budge, Civil War and execution follow, frightening the rest of Europe. Though peace and the limited monarchy both return, a haunting precedent had been set: the people have the power to potentially overthrow the government.
Milton's Paradise Lost - His epic poem offers insight to the roots of revolution
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Believing in divine right, James I disregarded Parliament
in favor of advice from God. Parliament felt ignored and betrayed.
Charles, whether he knew it or not, would be inheriting a power struggle that would
eventually cost him his head. The relationship between the King and Parliament held
elements of dependence, jealousy and stubbornness. 
Cromwell was set to bid England
goodbye and head for America. But a conflict over who has the power over whom,
grounded in the fundamental beliefs of the nature of man, lures Cromwell to stay, where he
leads the New Model Army in a Civil War with the King. 
During Civil War, Cavaliers (Charles' supporters), pictured
above, took on Roundheads (Cromwell's supporters). Their hair was an indication of both their class and allegiance.
The beheading of Charles I sends shock waves across
Europe. But rather than give in to demands for reform, most monarchs, especially in
France, dig themselves in deeper, realizing that any power given to the people could come
back to haunt them.
Philosophy of James I
Why did people rejoice after the Restoration?
Causes of Civil War,
particularly religious
What gains did the Revolution make? What reforms?
What does Cromwell do once he's won?
Legacy of political parties - describe them.
Know the basics - role of taxes...
...the significance of Thomas Paine
...of boycotts...
...the Declaration of
Independence
...and significance of the Boston Massacre.
...and why the Articles are replaced by Constitution