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James 1 - Coggle Diagram
James 1
Background and personality
Born 1566, son of Mary Queen of Scots
Became James VI of Scotland in 1567 (aged 1)
Acceded to English throne in 1603 after death of Elizabeth I
First monarch of both England and Scotland → Union of the Crowns
Reigned 1603–1625
Relationship with parliament and favourites
Key Problems
Poor communication and mutual distrust
James believed Parliament should advise, not challenge
Parliament resisted taxation and royal control
Key Events
Goodwin Case (1604) → James interfered in elections
Great Contract (1610) → Failed attempt to reform royal finances
Addled Parliament (1614) → No laws passed, dissolved quickly
Frequent dissolutions due to conflict
James relied heavily on close favourites:
Robert Carr
George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham
Gave them wealth, titles, and political influence
Beliefs and kingship style
Divine Right of Kings
Firm believer that monarchs are chosen by God
Expressed in Basilikon Doron and The True Law of Free Monarchies
Believed kings were above the law, but should rule responsibly
This belief caused conflict with Parliament, who believed in shared authority
Royal Authority & Kingship Style
Preferred peaceful rule rather than military glory
Saw himself as a peacemaker king
Expected obedience rather than compromise
Failed to understand English political culture
Religion
Overall Aims
Wanted religious unity
Moderate Protestant, but authoritarian in approach
Puritans
Hampton Court Conference (1604) → rejected most Puritan demands
Allowed King James Bible (1611) → major long-term success
Catholics
Initially tolerant → disappointment led to:
Gunpowder Plot (1605) by Catholic extremists
Resulted in harsher penal laws
Economic and financial problems
Finance & Economic Problems
Causes
Inherited debt from Elizabeth
Extravagant court spending
Costly gifts to favourites
Inefficient tax system
Responses / Reforms
Impositions (customs duties without Parliament)
Sale of titles (e.g. baronetcies)
Great Contract (proposed fixed income from Parliament)
Foreign policy and law and justice
Aims
Peaceful diplomacy
Avoid expensive wars
Key Policies
Treaty of London (1604) → ended war with Spain
Attempted Spanish Match (marriage alliance for Charles)
Ultimately damaged credibility
Law & Justice
Strong belief in order and hierarchy
Increased use of royal courts (e.g. Star Chamber)
Continued witchcraft prosecutions
Viewed law as tool to reinforce royal authority
Union with scotland
Wanted full political union
Faced resistance from English Parliament
Achieved only symbolic union