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England 1603–49

The Long Parliament and the outbreak of war 1640–42

  • 3 things to know
  • AS Unit 1

Overview

The road to war from November 1640: the Long Parliament's reforms, Pym and the Junto, Root and Branch, the Irish Rebellion, the Grand Remonstrance, the Five Members, the Militia Ordinance, how sides formed, and historians' explanations.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Process

What reforms did the Long Parliament make in 1641?

Process

How did the Irish Rebellion of October 1641 deepen the crisis?

Process

Why was the attempt on the Five Members in January 1642 a turning point?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Why did Charles I call the Long Parliament in November 1640?

    Model answer

    Defeat by the Scots in the Second Bishops' War left a Scottish army occupying the north of England and demanding payment, which Charles could raise only through Parliament.

  2. 2

    What reforms did the Long Parliament make in 1641?

    Model answer

    The Triennial Act required Parliament to meet at least every three years, an Act forbade its dissolution without its own consent, Star Chamber and the High Commission were abolished, and Ship Money was declared illegal.

  3. 3

    Who was John Pym, and what was his role in 1640–42?

    Model answer

    The leading figure in the Commons, who with a group of allies known as the Junto led the attack on Strafford and Laud and pushed for further limits on the King's power.

  4. 4

    What was the Root and Branch Petition?

    Model answer

    A London petition of December 1640, signed by about 15,000 people, calling for the abolition of bishops 'root and branch', which split Parliament over how far to reform the Church.

  5. 5

    How did the Irish Rebellion of October 1641 deepen the crisis?

    Model answer

    Reports of massacres of Protestants meant an army had to be raised, but MPs would not trust Charles to command it, raising the question of who controlled the militia.

  6. 6

    What was the Grand Remonstrance, and why was it divisive?

    Model answer

    A list of over 200 grievances against Charles's rule, passed in November 1641 by only 159 votes to 148; its appeal to the people pushed moderates towards the King.

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