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Lecture 2: History ( )

The English Reformation was a 16th-century movement where England broke from the Roman Catholic Church, initiated by King Henry VIII's desire to annul his marriage. This led to significant political changes, including increased royal power and religious divisions between Protestants and Catholics, which contributed to the English Civil War. The conflict arose when King Charles I attempted to govern without Parliament, culminating in his attempt to arrest MPs and the subsequent outbreak of civil war.

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10 views2 pages

Lecture 2: History ( )

The English Reformation was a 16th-century movement where England broke from the Roman Catholic Church, initiated by King Henry VIII's desire to annul his marriage. This led to significant political changes, including increased royal power and religious divisions between Protestants and Catholics, which contributed to the English Civil War. The conflict arose when King Charles I attempted to govern without Parliament, culminating in his attempt to arrest MPs and the subsequent outbreak of civil war.

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Fang Ruan
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© © All Rights Reserved
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LECTURE 2: HISTORY (*)

1. What is English Reformation? (related to religious reformation: the


establishment of the Church of England, promoting the rise of Protestanism
over Catholic of Rome)
The English Reformation was a series of events in the 16th century when
England broke away from the authority of the Pope and the Roman Catholic
Church. It began mainly under King Henry VIII, who wanted to annul his
marriage but was refused by the Pope. In response, Henry separated the Church of
England from Rome and made himself its head. Over time, England moved toward
Protestantism, especially during the reigns of Edward VI and Elizabeth I, while
some rulers (like Mary I) tried to restore Catholicism. The English Reformation
changed England's religion, politics, and society forever.
-> Political change:
- Reduce the influence of the Pope in England.
- Increase royal power: breaking from Rome, the king gained control over church
wealth, land and law -> strengthen the monarchy.
- Tension between monarch and Parliament becausee of religion and power (the
Stuarts -> eventually contributing to the English Civil War)
- England more centralized under a single national religion (Anglicanism),
controlled by the state.
-> Society: In society, it caused deep religious divisions between Protestants and
Catholics, changed worship practices, and led to the closure of monasteries. It also
encouraged people to read the Bible themselves, increasing literacy and promoting
individual thinking.
- Religious divisions: The country became divided between Catholics and
Protestants, leading to centuries of religious tension, persecution, and rebellion
(e.g., Gunpowder Plot, Irish uprisings).
- Changes in worship and daily life: Services were now in English, not Latin;
priests could marry, and Catholic rituals were removed from churches.
- Monasteries were closed
→ Henry VIII dissolved monasteries, taking their land and wealth. This displaced
monks and affected education, healthcare, and charity (which monasteries had
provided).
🔹 Who were the Stuarts?
The Stuart dynasty ruled England (and later Great Britain) from 1603 to 1714,
starting with James I (son of Mary, Queen of Scots).
🔹 Civil War connection:
The English Civil War (1642–1651) broke out under King Charles I, who was a
Stuart king.
 Charles I had serious conflicts with Parliament over money, power, and
religion.
 He tried to rule without Parliament and imposed unpopular religious
changes, which made both English Puritans and Scottish Presbyterians
angry.
 Eventually, the tension led to civil war between the Royalists (supporters
of the king) and Parliamentarians.
➡️Charles I was defeated, put on trial, and executed in 1649 — a major historical
moment.
➡️England then briefly became a republic under Oliver Cromwell before the
monarchy was restored.
2. What conflict/ spite led to the Civil War?
King Charles I was making decisions without Parliament. When Parliament
resisted, he tried to arrest five MPs by storming into the House of Commons,
leading to war.

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