How Does One Explain the British Civil Wars?
Many historians often argue about how to explain the English Civil Wars that occurred in Great Britain during the seventeenth century. Some say they were wars of religion or class conflict while others say they were a combination of things. After reading through many documents and resources, it can be determined that the wars can not be attributed to one specific cause. Documents by Mark Kishlansky and Conrad Russell, help to outline that it might not just be one problem but a combination of problems that help explain the British Civil Wars. One thing all of these documents had in common however, was that Charles I had been at the center of every problem. It was his personality, his marriage to a Catholic princess, and his governing tactics that helped lead to conflict and his ultimate execution. That being said, Charles faced a serious challenge when assuming the throne in 1625. He not only was King of England, but also of both Ireland and Scotland. This “perfect union”1 that his father, James I, strived to achieve couldn’t have been more separated. Each kingdom occupied different laws, customs, religious beliefs, and economies, which ultimately created tension and instability. The multiple monarchy of three completely different kingdoms combined with Charles’ inadequate qualities and problems help to explain the British Civil Wars.
When thinking about the great monarchs who ruled over England throughout the centuries, all of them had qualities in common. They were brave, outgoing, courageous, communicative, persuasive, and ready to stand for their country. In the “Golden Speech” delivered by Elizabeth I in 1601, she communicated that everything she did was for the benefit of the people2. Elizabeth became very popular among the people and was never refused money by Parliament. She possessed the qualities and personality of a great monarch even though she had been doubted for being a weak and feeble female. For a...