What was Charles' stubbornness encouraged by?
Charles' stubbornness during the Parliamentary Factionalism at the end of the English Civil War was encouraged by his belief in the divine right of kings and his refusal to compromise with Parliament.
Charles' Stubbornness and the Divine Right of Kings
Charles I of England was known for his stubbornness during the Parliamentary Factionalism at the end of the English Civil War. This stubbornness was fueled by his strong belief in the divine right of kings, which was a political and religious doctrine that asserted kings derived their authority from God and not from their subjects. Charles firmly believed that he had been chosen by God to rule, and therefore, any challenge to his authority was seen as an affront to God himself.
One of the key factors that encouraged Charles' stubbornness was his refusal to compromise with Parliament. While Parliament represented the interests of the people, Charles saw himself as the rightful ruler with ultimate authority. He was unwilling to share power or make concessions, leading to a bitter power struggle between the monarchy and Parliament.
Additionally, Charles' close advisors, such as Thomas Wentworth and Archbishop Laud, played a significant role in reinforcing his belief in absolute monarchy. They supported his actions and encouraged him to resist the demands of Parliament, further fueling his stubbornness.
Furthermore, Charles' fear of losing power and the desire to maintain his own authority also contributed to his stubborn behavior. He saw giving in to Parliament's demands as a sign of weakness, which could potentially lead to more challenges to his rule. His refusal to compromise was therefore driven by a combination of religious conviction, political theory, and personal pride.
In conclusion, Charles' stubbornness during the Parliamentary Factionalism at the end of the English Civil War was a complex issue driven by multiple factors. His belief in the divine right of kings, influence of advisors, fear of losing power, and desire to maintain authority all played a role in shaping his unwillingness to yield to Parliament's demands.