Year 8 - History
The causes of the English Civil War
The English Civil War: what can pamphlets tell us about 17th century politics?
Study Hub
Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils briefly learn about the causes and conduct of the English Civil War. They then learn about Oliver Cromwell's rule and the restoration of the monarchy. Pupils finish the unit by examining how these events were represented in popular political pamphlets of the day.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how Charles you angered Parliament, which was the main cause of the English Civil War.
Key Notes
- Charles I believed in the Divine Right of Kings
- Parliament was angered by Charles I's religious, financial and political policies
- Parliament produced the Grand Remonstrance in 1641 to convey its many complaints to Charles I
- The Grand Remonstrance was published as a pamphlet to help Parliament put pressure on the king to make changes
Vocabulary To Learn
- divine: if something is divine it is connected to God
- Parliament: Parliament is made up of politicians who vote on laws and taxes
- remonstrance: a remonstrance is a very critical protest
- pamphlet: pamphlets are small booklets offering information or arguments about a specific topic
- Papist: Papist was an insulting word used to refer to Catholics
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Parliament in the 17th century was similarly superior to the monarch as it is today
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
Charles I believed in the Divine Right of Kings. Parliament was angered by Charles I's religious, financial and political policies.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'divine'
if something is divine it is connected to God.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Parliament in the 17th century was similarly superior to the monarch as it is today. Correction: Parliament was there to assist the monarch but they could rule without it and did not consider it an equal to themselves.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 8 History guide library.