Year 8 - History
The execution of Charles I
The English Civil War: what can pamphlets tell us about 17th century politics?
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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 why Charles you was executed for treason.
Key Notes
- After the First English Civil War, Parliament and the New Model Army began trusting each other less
- Charles encouraged Scotland to wage war with England, which was seen as a betrayal
- 'Pride's Purge' was when MPs who were sympathetic to the king were not allowed to enter Parliament
- 'Rump Parliament' put Charles I on trial for treason
- Charles was executed by beheading on 30 January 1649
Vocabulary To Learn
- treason: treason is a serious crime which involves hurting your country or government
- New Model Army: the New Model Army fought for the Parliamentarians, and against the Royalists, during the English Civil War
- regicide: regicide is the act of killing a monarch
- martyr: a martyr is a person who died for their beliefs and is respected because of that
- purge: getting rid of things you don't agree with can be called a purge
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Parliament fought both Civil Wars to remove Charles I from power
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
After the First English Civil War, Parliament and the New Model Army began trusting each other less. Charles encouraged Scotland to wage war with England, which was seen as a betrayal.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'treason'
treason is a serious crime which involves hurting your country or government.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Parliament fought both Civil Wars to remove Charles I from power. Correction: The majority of people in Parliament wanted to change how Charles I behaved but only a minority wanted to remove the king from power.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 8 History guide library.