Monarchy - S2 Ep4 - The Stuart Succession

Monarchy looks at the latter reign of Elizabeth I, James I, and the early reign of Charles I. Elizabeth overseas the defeat of the Spanish Armada and wins the admiration of many world leaders. Elizabeth continues her moderate leadership of the Church of England despite pressure from Protestants for further reforms. James I son of Mary Queen of Scots is crowned king after Elizabeth's death. He attempts to bring Protestants and Catholics together, end the war with Spain, and unify the Kingdoms of Scotland and England. James avoids an assassination attempt by Guy Fawkes in the Gunpowder Plot. There is also growing discontent among Puritans who wish to purge the Church of Catholic influences. James orders a new English translation of the Bible. His efforts to bring England and Scotland together are stymied by Parliament which is wary of losing influence. James dies in 1625 and his son Charles I is crowned king. Unlike his father Charles is pro-war, but Parliament obstructs his efforts to engage Spain. He marries Henrietta Maria of France but is unable to use that to secure an alliance with France. Charles angers Protestants by demanding a more opulent church in Scotland. This causes a war between the King and the Scottish Covenanters which Charles attempts to fight without the support of Parliament. The Covenanters are able to force Charles to accept their terms. Parliament led by John Pym passes the Grand Remonstrance that heavily criticizes Charles I. Charles and armed guards goes to Parliament in order to arrest John Pym and four others for treason. The MPs escape and Charles's bold action only succeeds in unifying forces against him.