WHY WAS CHARLES I EXECUTED ?
Task n°1 : Listen the video and answer questions
1) What rights does the king have (according to Charles I)?
2) Which power is above him?
3) What relationship does he have with the military power and the Church?
4) What does he expect from his people ?...
5) … And More particularly from the Scottish and the Irish people?
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Task n°2: Read the texts and answer questions ( don’t forget quotes)
Source 1: The reading of the charges against Charles by the man leading the trail, John Bradshaw. He was not a well-know judge.
He had been chosen after many others refused to judge over the King.
Charles Stuart, King of England … Traitorously waged a war against Parliament and the people. He renewed the War against the Parliament in 1648. He is responsible for all the treasons, murders, raping’s, burnings and damage causes during these wars. He is therefore a tyrant, traitor and murderer and an enemy to England”.
Source 2: From Oliver Cromwell’s speaking in January 1649 before Charles was executed. In February 1648 the monarchy was abolished and a council of State was set up to run the country, led by O. Cromwell.
“ I tell you we will cut off his head with the crown upon it… The office of the King in the Nation is unnecessary, and dangerous to the liberty and interest of the people.
Source 3: Witnesses for Parliament
Witness 1: “I saw Charles stick his banner in the ground in Nottingham in 1642. This officially started the war. The war was thus Charles’ Fault.”
Witness 2: “Here is a letter from King Charles to his son asking him to get a foreign army together to invade England to help him.
Charles wants foreigners to kill Englishmen. He cannot be trusted”.
Witness 3: King Charles allowed his troops to mistreat the Parliamentarian captured soldiers. He said’ I do not care if they cut them 3 times more, for they are mine enemies’ ”.
Nottingham in 1642: the beginning of the civil war.
Source 4: From Charles I himself at the trial
“I would know by what power I ma called here. I want to know by what authority … Remember I am your king, your lawful King. I have trust committed to me by God. I will not betray it to answer a new unlawful authority”.
Source 5: From a school textbook:
“Before the execution was agreed Parliament arranged to discuss what to do with Charles now he had been captured. Out of 286 members of parliament, 240 thought Charles should be given another chance. However, when they met again for discussion these 240 MPs were stopped from entering by Crowell’s troops. This left 46 MPs to vote about what to do with the King – They voted to put him on trial for treason. This could result in execution. “
Questions:
1° How did Source 1 and 2 differ about Charles was executed?
2° According to these testimonies (Source 3), what are reproaches addressed to the King?
3° Why did Charles think the trial was unlawful? (Source 4)
4° Why do you think Cromwell stopped the MPs to entering Parliament?
