Puritanism and its influence on English Literature.

The Divine Right of Kings

When James I (1603-1625) succeeded to the English throne, he firmly believed that the regent derives power directly from God. James was not interested in reforming the Church of England. Catholics were forbidden to celebrate Mass (service of worship), and Puritans could not gather for religious meetings. Many religious dissidents left England. Catholics tended to emigrate to the European continent, particularly France and Italy. The Puritans first found a home in Holland, and later voyaged to North America, where they established the Plymouth Colony in 1620 in present-day Massachusetts.

Growing conflict

When James’s son Charles I came to the throne in 1625 (1625-1649), people who hoped for a more tolerant ruler were disappointed. The new king had taken to heart his father’s example of ruling by divine right. Because of his belief that he would be committing a grave sin in surrendering part of his authority, Charles disregarded Parliament’s opinions on economic spending and commanded his subjects to observe a form of Anglican ritual that was offensive to Puritans and other dissidents. By 1629, with Parliament and the king unable to agree on religious and economic matters. Charles dissolved Parliament and did not call it back for eleven years. During the “eleven years’ tyranny,” grievances (sérelmek) on both sides mounted. By the time Charles recalled Parliament in 1640, it was too late for any permanent compromise. Parliament called for a new constitution that included their demands to control all church and military matters and appoint ministers and judges. The king moved his court from London to the northern city of York. The ideological battle lines were drawn; by August 1642, war had begun.