Who was to blame for the English Civil War?

By Ayoola Shekoni


I think King Charles was most to blame because, when it came to religious choices King Charles made very big mistakes. First of all King Charles made changes to the church without consulting parliament (and as we know in those days parliament had the public’s best interest in mind, because they represented the people). Charles brought back stained glass windows, Charles gave more power to the priests and he also brought back the decorated robe for priests without the consent of Parliament.
But on the other hand Parliament may have annoyed King Charles so much he had to do things to get them back. Parliament annoyed Charles (religious wise) by allowing fellow Members of Parliament (who happen to be puritan’s) to write pamphlets attacking King Charles. Which is also wrong because in the 16th century it was like a dictatorship, whatever the king said went and that was that. Parliament also insisted on approving who the King chose as Ministers. This was also wrong as Parliament made the king look incompetent in front of the members of the public.

When it came to money I also think King Charles was also the most to blame. Because first of all Charles raised ship money even though their was no war. This is wrong because taxing the people who live on the coast more money for no reason, is not helping them in any way, and when it comes time for them to actually give the money for the war, they all become reluctant to give (it is like the boy who cried wolf, when the wolf actually came no one believed him). But on the other hand Parliament refused Charles money that he had a right to have. And of course if you do not have any money you will look for any means to get money (but I know this does not justify the fact that King Charles took money from the people who live on the coast for his personal gain). King Charles spent money unwisely and extravagantly on his court. Charles trusted his advises more than he trusted the members of Parliament. This, in my opinion, made Parliament reluctant to give Charles the money whenever he asked for it.

When it came to power I still think King Charles was most to blame, because he sent Parliament home for eleven years and ruled without them. Charles had Prynne’s ears cut off for writing pamphlets attacking him. Charles tried to arrest five members of Parliament. Charles’ advisers followed unpopular policies. Charles gave more power to Bishops. But meanwhile Parliament seized control of the army. Parliament refused Charles money that was by his right. Parliament interfered in Charles’ family life-they asked to decide on his children’s education. This should explain why King Charles must have sent Parliament home for eleven years. So he could have ultimate power of the kingdom of England.

This brings me to my conclusion in the quoted words of Parliament “Charles acted like a Catholic”. He was most to blame for the English civil war. For the fact that he was completely determined to make it hard for Parliament to do what they were all there to do. Parliament refused Charles money that was by his right. Parliament interfered in Charles’ family life-they asked to decide on his children’s education.