A Brief Summary of Absolutism and English Society in the Early Seventeenth Century
In early 17th-century England, Absolutism began to take shape under the rule of James I Stuart (1603-1625), who believed in the divine right of kings. This created growing tensions between the monarchy and Parliament, as James sought to centralize power while Parliament defended its role in governance.
Religious divisions also deepened, particularly between Puritans, who wanted further reforms of the Church of England, and the more moderate Presbyterians and Independents, who had varying views on church structure and governance. These conflicts intensified under Charles I, James’ son, whose attempts to rule without Parliament and impose taxes led to increasing resistance.
The situation escalated with the 1628 Petition of Right, which sought to limit the king’s powers by restricting unlawful imprisonment and unauthorized taxation. However, Charles dissolved Parliament after the Short Parliament of 1640, only to reconvene the Long Parliament later that year, which led to the eventual outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642.
Absolutism and English Society in the Early Seventeenth Century
In early 17th-century England, society was structured hierarchically, reflecting the growing tensions between the monarchy and different social groups. At the top stood the great aristocracy of peers, including dukes, marquises, and earls, who held vast estates and power. Below them was the gentry, a wealthy minor nobility class of landowners, often wealthier than many aristocrats. The major gentry held influential positions in local government and military leadership.
The minor gentry played key roles in local administration, carrying out political, military, and judicial duties. Below them were independent agricultural producers or yeomen, followed by merchants and rich artisans, who formed the ruling class in cities. These groups would increasingly clash with the absolutist tendencies of the monarchy, contributing to political upheaval later in the century.
