Politics in England before 1625 was somewhat tense as Monarch and Parliament fought for dominance
Parliament sought to gradually control the Monarchy financially
30 Years War began and James I was involved ( It was his son-in-law that started it)
Parliament were forced to give James a substantial revenue for the war
12,000 men were led by Count Mansfield but were overtaken by disease in the Netherlands. 3,000 men limped home
1 of 3
Finance before 1625
Finance in England was slowly deteriorating as a result of war ( 30 years war )
James I also spent money ( his lavish parties )
When James I inherited the throne, he inherited the financial debts of Elizabeth II's government.
In 1612, London brewers refused to accommodate James unless he paid in advance
Robert Cecil tried to accommodate James by agreeing to a "Great Contract" with Parliament in which the latter had to give James £200,000 in extra revenue (failed)
In 1625, James I spent over £3,000 on a feast
2 of 3
Religion before 1625
Religion was interwoven with the politics of England as James I was the first King to rule three Islands with different religious backgrounds.
At one point, religious tension peaked and ultimately resulted in the Gunpowder Plot.
James heavily believed in the Divine Right of Kings, so much so that he wrote the book Basilikon Doron which was designed as a manual for his successor.
Gunpowder Plot of 1605 - Plot of Radical Catholics
Strict Puritans felt betrayed by James I wanting to pursue a religious middle ground despite being raised as a Puritan himself
Popish Recusants Act of 1606 - increased fines for recusants, and forced Catholics to take an oath of allegiance. They were forbidden to be lawyers, vote or serve as officers in the army or navy.
Comments
No comments have yet been made