Don’t Lose Your Head! Charles I Game

Don’t Lose Your Head!Charles I Game

Q #1 Q#2 Q#3 Q#4

Q#5 Q#6 Q#7 Q#8

Background: In 1649, the King of England, Charles I, was beheaded.

Since 1642, he had been involved in a bitter Since 1642, he had been involved in a bitter Civil War with Parliament. In this game you Civil War with Parliament. In this game you will take the role of King Charles, and will will take the role of King Charles, and will make a number of decisions about how to run make a number of decisions about how to run your country. After making each decision you your country. After making each decision you will be told what the result of it was, and how will be told what the result of it was, and how it compares to what Charles really did.it compares to what Charles really did.

Question 1: What is Your Attitude Toward Parliament?

It is 1625. You have just become It is 1625. You have just become King, and it is time to make up King, and it is time to make up your first speech to Parliament. your first speech to Parliament. You realize that Parliament is You realize that Parliament is very important for your power, very important for your power, because it raises money for you because it raises money for you in the form of taxes. Crowds in the form of taxes. Crowds cheer as you make your way cheer as you make your way into the Palace of Westminster, into the Palace of Westminster, dressed in all your robes of dressed in all your robes of state. The House of Commons state. The House of Commons all stand up as you enter, and all stand up as you enter, and you take your seat at the far end you take your seat at the far end of the Chamber. Everyone else of the Chamber. Everyone else sits down and waits in silence to sits down and waits in silence to hear what you have to say.hear what you have to say.

What is the main message of your speech likely to be?

Option I: “I have been chosen by God to rule Option I: “I have been chosen by God to rule this country, and it is the duty of Parliament to this country, and it is the duty of Parliament to obey my orders so that the county can be obey my orders so that the county can be strong and unified.”strong and unified.”

Option 2: “I have been given this job by the Option 2: “I have been given this job by the people of Kingdom, and I plan to reach all my people of Kingdom, and I plan to reach all my decisions after discussing the options with decisions after discussing the options with Parliament- even if this means that things get Parliament- even if this means that things get done more slowly.”done more slowly.”

Option 1 Option 2

Option 1

Parliament is not very impressed with Parliament is not very impressed with your speech, which seems your speech, which seems

unnecessarily aggressive. There are unnecessarily aggressive. There are lots of mumbles of discontent as you lots of mumbles of discontent as you march out. You may be storing up march out. You may be storing up

problems for the future!problems for the future!The likelihood of Civil War rises by 20%The likelihood of Civil War rises by 20%

What really happened? What really happened? What ReallyHappened?

Option 2

Parliament is very impressed with your Parliament is very impressed with your speech. You seem to be a King who speech. You seem to be a King who

respects them and they just hope that respects them and they just hope that you will stick by your promises. you will stick by your promises.

Well done - the chances of Civil War do Well done - the chances of Civil War do not rise at all!not rise at all!

What really happened?What really happened?What Really Happened?

Question 1: What Really Happened?

In reality, Charles said that he had been In reality, Charles said that he had been chosen by God to rule the country, and chosen by God to rule the country, and that it was the duty of Parliament to that it was the duty of Parliament to obey his orders so that the country obey his orders so that the country could be strong and united.He called could be strong and united.He called this idea "this idea "Divine RightDivine Right" - in other " - in other words, a right given by God.words, a right given by God.

Question 2: A Royal Marriage?

Following your speech to Following your speech to Parliament, you get down to the Parliament, you get down to the everyday business of everyday business of government, which you find very government, which you find very tiring.Your best friend, the Duke tiring.Your best friend, the Duke of Buckingham (a former of Buckingham (a former favorite of your father), notices favorite of your father), notices how worn out you are and takes how worn out you are and takes you out for the day horse-riding you out for the day horse-riding (right).Eventually, you are deep (right).Eventually, you are deep in the countryside and you stop in the countryside and you stop for a bite to eat. Climbing off his for a bite to eat. Climbing off his horse, Buckingham passes you horse, Buckingham passes you his drinking flask and asks if you his drinking flask and asks if you have given any more thought to have given any more thought to getting married now that you are getting married now that you are King. What do you say?King. What do you say?

Question 2: A Royal Marriage?

What do you say?What do you say?Option 1: I'll marry an English Protestant, so Option 1: I'll marry an English Protestant, so

that Parliament can see that I am reliable and that Parliament can see that I am reliable and trustworthy."trustworthy."

Option 2: "I plan to stay single. Children could Option 2: "I plan to stay single. Children could grow up and maybe steal my throne.”grow up and maybe steal my throne.”

Option 3: "I'll marry a French Catholic, so that Option 3: "I'll marry a French Catholic, so that Parliament can see that I am friendly to all Parliament can see that I am friendly to all religions and countries."religions and countries."

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3

Option 1: Marry a Protestant

This is probably the most sensible option. This is probably the most sensible option. Catholic countries won't be happy, but Catholic countries won't be happy, but at least your own Parliament will be at least your own Parliament will be convinced that you can be relied upon convinced that you can be relied upon to protect the Church of England. to protect the Church of England. Puritans too are less likely to be Puritans too are less likely to be angered by this policy.Well done - the angered by this policy.Well done - the chances of Civil War have not risen!chances of Civil War have not risen!

What Really Happened?

Option 2: Don’t Marry

This might be a sensible option in the short This might be a sensible option in the short term, but in the long term it means that the term, but in the long term it means that the country will face all sorts of problems about country will face all sorts of problems about finding a new King after you are gone. When finding a new King after you are gone. When members of Parliament (MPs) get to hear of members of Parliament (MPs) get to hear of your decision they are very worried - a lot of your decision they are very worried - a lot of them can remember the problems created by them can remember the problems created by Elizabeth's refusal to marry.The likelihood of Elizabeth's refusal to marry.The likelihood of Civil War rises by 5%.Civil War rises by 5%.

What ReallyHappened?

Option 3: Marry a French Catholic

This is not a very wise choice. Parliament This is not a very wise choice. Parliament is absolutely appalled that their King is is absolutely appalled that their King is getting married to a CATHOLIC! They getting married to a CATHOLIC! They are incredibly suspicious that you are are incredibly suspicious that you are maybe a Catholic yourself, and will be maybe a Catholic yourself, and will be keeping a very close eye on you from keeping a very close eye on you from now on...The likelihood of Civil War now on...The likelihood of Civil War rises by 10%!rises by 10%!


Question 2: What REALLY Happened?

Charles not only married a Charles not only married a CATHOLIC, but a CATHOLIC, but a FRENCH one! This was FRENCH one! This was not popular at all in not popular at all in Parliament.Many people Parliament.Many people thought that maybe thought that maybe Charles himself was a Charles himself was a secret Catholic.The new secret Catholic.The new Queen's name was Queen's name was Henrietta MariaHenrietta Maria (shown (shown here with her son, the here with her son, the future Charles II).future Charles II).

Question 3: Should you Hand Buckingham

over to Parliament?Following your wedding, Buckingham tells you of his Following your wedding, Buckingham tells you of his

exciting (but expensive) plan to attack the Spanish exciting (but expensive) plan to attack the Spanish with a fleet of ships. You love the idea, and although with a fleet of ships. You love the idea, and although Parliament is not very keen, it eventually gives you Parliament is not very keen, it eventually gives you the money for the operation.Buckingham sets off, but the money for the operation.Buckingham sets off, but within a few days you get reports that he has made a within a few days you get reports that he has made a complete pig's ear of the whole thing. Some ships complete pig's ear of the whole thing. Some ships have been sunk by the Spanish galleons, many men have been sunk by the Spanish galleons, many men have been killed, and Buckingham is sailing back to have been killed, and Buckingham is sailing back to England in disgrace.Parliament is furious, and is England in disgrace.Parliament is furious, and is demanding that Buckingham be put into prison as demanding that Buckingham be put into prison as soon as he gets back.soon as he gets back.

Question 3: Should you hand Buckingham over to

Parliament?Option 1: Agree to Parliament's demands. Option 1: Agree to Parliament's demands.

Buckingham messed it up, and should Buckingham messed it up, and should pay the penalty!pay the penalty!

Option 2: Refuse to punish Buckingham, Option 2: Refuse to punish Buckingham, who is a loyal friend. Instead, put some who is a loyal friend. Instead, put some MP's in prison to show who is the real MP's in prison to show who is the real boss around here.boss around here.

Option 3: Send Buckingham to court and Option 3: Send Buckingham to court and let them decide what should be done.let them decide what should be done.


Option 1:

You do not rate very highly as a friend, You do not rate very highly as a friend, but at least you are realistic. By but at least you are realistic. By sacrificing Buckingham you are able to sacrificing Buckingham you are able to distance yourself from his failure and distance yourself from his failure and not take too much blame.not take too much blame.

You avoid civil war with 0% raise… You avoid civil war with 0% raise…


Option 2:

Buckingham breathes a sigh of relief, but Buckingham breathes a sigh of relief, but Parliament is absolutely outraged by Parliament is absolutely outraged by your behavior.your behavior.

The likelihood of Civil War rises by 10%.The likelihood of Civil War rises by 10%.


Option 3:

A clever move, in a way - you avoid siding A clever move, in a way - you avoid siding either with Buckingham or Parliament. either with Buckingham or Parliament. However, neither side is happy with this. However, neither side is happy with this. It looks like you haven't got the guts to It looks like you haven't got the guts to decide what should be done for decide what should be done for yourself.yourself.



Question 3: What Really Happened?Charles stood by his friend. Charles stood by his friend.

This saved the life of This saved the life of Buckingham (right), but Buckingham (right), but Parliament was furious with Parliament was furious with the way that the King clearly the way that the King clearly didn't care about what it didn't care about what it wanted.In the end, Charles's wanted.In the end, Charles's support didn't save support didn't save Buckingham, who was Buckingham, who was assassinated a couple of assassinated a couple of years later. Charles was years later. Charles was deeply upset, but most MP's deeply upset, but most MP's were secretly glad that he were secretly glad that he was out of the picture at last.was out of the picture at last.

Question 4: How Should You React to the Petition of Right?Following the disastrous Spanish campaign, Following the disastrous Spanish campaign,

Parliament produces the the Parliament produces the the Petition of Petition of RightRight, which says that the King will have to , which says that the King will have to deal much more closely with Parliament in deal much more closely with Parliament in future and ask their permission before future and ask their permission before reaching any important decisions.You initially reaching any important decisions.You initially refuse to sign, but it becomes clear that if you refuse to sign, but it becomes clear that if you do not sign then Parliament will not be willing do not sign then Parliament will not be willing to give you any more money.What do you to give you any more money.What do you do?do?

Question 4: Option 1: Sign, but ignore it completely Option 1: Sign, but ignore it completely

afterwards - in this way Parliament will afterwards - in this way Parliament will feel successful but you will keep all your feel successful but you will keep all your power.power.

Option 2: Sign, and stick by it - Parliament Option 2: Sign, and stick by it - Parliament represents the people and you need represents the people and you need them on your side.them on your side.

Option 3: Send in your troops and make it Option 3: Send in your troops and make it clear that you will not be bullied by clear that you will not be bullied by these jumped-up nobodies.these jumped-up nobodies.


Option 1:

With a great show of reluctance, you sign With a great show of reluctance, you sign the the Petition of RightPetition of Right and then leave and then leave Parliament.They are very happy that Parliament.They are very happy that you have been prepared to compromise you have been prepared to compromise like this.It is only a matter of time, like this.It is only a matter of time, though, before they realize that you though, before they realize that you have no intention of sticking to the have no intention of sticking to the Petition... Petition...

The likelihood of Civil War rises by 5%!The likelihood of Civil War rises by 5%!What Really Happened?

Option 2:

You sign the Petition, and stick by it.Many You sign the Petition, and stick by it.Many people are surprised that you give in so people are surprised that you give in so easily to the demands of Parliament, easily to the demands of Parliament, and think that you are a bit spineless. and think that you are a bit spineless. Parliament, though, is overjoyed.Parliament, though, is overjoyed.

It seems that you have managed to avoid It seems that you have managed to avoid leading the country any closer to Civil leading the country any closer to Civil War on this occasion - well done!War on this occasion - well done!

What really happened?What really happened?What Really Happened?

Option 3:

This does not do anything to improve your This does not do anything to improve your reputation. All you do is appear reputation. All you do is appear aggressive and bossy. The fact remains aggressive and bossy. The fact remains that Parliament is where you will get that Parliament is where you will get your money from, and you cannot afford your money from, and you cannot afford to anger them too much. he likelihood of to anger them too much. he likelihood of Civil War rises by 10%!Civil War rises by 10%!

The likelihood of Civil War rises by 10%!The likelihood of Civil War rises by 10%!What really happened?What really happened?



Charles signed the Petition of Right, but had no intention whatsoever of sticking to it.

Parliament soon realized this, and leading MP's like John Pym (right) now began to feel that Charles was not a man who could be trusted.

Question 5: How Should I Use the Ship Money?

You are fed up with Parliament trying to boss You are fed up with Parliament trying to boss you around, and have it dissolved. However, you around, and have it dissolved. However, you still need the money which Parliament you still need the money which Parliament usually gives you, and so you decide to raise usually gives you, and so you decide to raise some Ship Money. This is a tax which is some Ship Money. This is a tax which is usually paid by towns on the coast during a usually paid by towns on the coast during a war so that ships can be built to protect them.war so that ships can be built to protect them.

Where shall you impose Ship Money?Where shall you impose Ship Money?

Question 5: Options

Option 1: Coastal counties. I won't raise much, Option 1: Coastal counties. I won't raise much, but neither will so many people be annoyed but neither will so many people be annoyed with me!with me!

Option 2: Coastal counties and inland counties Option 2: Coastal counties and inland counties everywhere. That way, I'll raise loads of cash!everywhere. That way, I'll raise loads of cash!

Option 3: Coastal counties, then inland Option 3: Coastal counties, then inland counties. In this way I won't risk annoying so counties. In this way I won't risk annoying so many people at the same time!many people at the same time!


Option 1:

A sensible policy, although the coastal A sensible policy, although the coastal towns are very angry about the tax towns are very angry about the tax because the country isn't even at war!because the country isn't even at war!



Option 2:

A terrible error. The country isn't even at A terrible error. The country isn't even at war to start with, and of what use will war to start with, and of what use will ships be for Midland counties?! It is ships be for Midland counties?! It is quite clear to the public that this is just quite clear to the public that this is just an easy way for you to raise money an easy way for you to raise money without having to go to Parliament.without having to go to Parliament.



Option 3:

It makes a lot of sense to introduce the policy It makes a lot of sense to introduce the policy gradually to see how badly people react. gradually to see how badly people react. Nevertheless, the country isn't even at war to Nevertheless, the country isn't even at war to start with, and of what use will ships be for start with, and of what use will ships be for Midland counties?! It is quite clear to the Midland counties?! It is quite clear to the public that this is just an easy way for you to public that this is just an easy way for you to raise money without having to go to raise money without having to go to Parliament.Parliament.




Charles imposed Ship Money firstly on the Charles imposed Ship Money firstly on the coastal counties, then on the inland counties coastal counties, then on the inland counties as well. This was deeply resented, because as well. This was deeply resented, because not only was the country not at war, but even not only was the country not at war, but even if it was then the inland counties would hardly if it was then the inland counties would hardly need ships to protect them!One man, need ships to protect them!One man, John John HampdenHampden, refused to pay the money, and , refused to pay the money, and was taken to court. The judges were on was taken to court. The judges were on Charles's side and decided that Hampden Charles's side and decided that Hampden had to pay.had to pay.

Question 6: A New Book of Common Prayer for Scotland?

It is 1637.It is 1637.Archbishop Laud visits you in your palace, bringing with Archbishop Laud visits you in your palace, bringing with him a him a New Prayer BookNew Prayer Book which includes a few Catholic-style which includes a few Catholic-style touches. "Your Majesty," he says, "with this book we could touches. "Your Majesty," he says, "with this book we could strengthen our Church by making it more decorative and strengthen our Church by making it more decorative and beautiful.”You are very interested, but become a bit concerned beautiful.”You are very interested, but become a bit concerned when Laud suggests that it should also be imposed in when Laud suggests that it should also be imposed in Scotland."Surely that would be dangerous, Laud?" you Scotland."Surely that would be dangerous, Laud?" you say."Why?" he asks."Because the Scots are even stronger say."Why?" he asks."Because the Scots are even stronger Protestants than the English, and could react really badly. Protestants than the English, and could react really badly. Maybe we should just limit it to England for now"."But your Maybe we should just limit it to England for now"."But your Highness!" replies Laud, "If we don't impose it on the Scots, Highness!" replies Laud, "If we don't impose it on the Scots, then they would have a different religion to the rest of your then they would have a different religion to the rest of your Kingdom, which would never do!"You realize that what he says Kingdom, which would never do!"You realize that what he says also makes sense. What do you do?also makes sense. What do you do?

Question 6 Options:

Option 1: Don't impose it at all. The Scots Option 1: Don't impose it at all. The Scots could react really badly and you don't could react really badly and you don't want to risk it.want to risk it.

Option 2: Impose it quickly and firmly. If Option 2: Impose it quickly and firmly. If you don't, then England and Scotland you don't, then England and Scotland would have different religions, which would have different religions, which would never do.would never do.

Option 1 Option 2

Option 1:

This makes sense in a way, although you This makes sense in a way, although you end up with England and Scotland end up with England and Scotland having different religions. It will not be having different religions. It will not be long before the Scots start pressing for long before the Scots start pressing for independence on other issues too.independence on other issues too.



Option 2:

Firmness can also be stubbornness. The Firmness can also be stubbornness. The Scots are furious at being told to use Scots are furious at being told to use what they see as a Catholic Prayer what they see as a Catholic Prayer Book, and start to rebel against you.Book, and start to rebel against you.

The likelihood of Civil War rises by 10%!The likelihood of Civil War rises by 10%!What REALLY happened?What REALLY happened?


Question 6: What REALLY Happened?

Charles decided to impose Charles decided to impose the Prayer Book swiftly the Prayer Book swiftly and firmly in Scotland. and firmly in Scotland. This was a terrible This was a terrible mistake, as the Scots mistake, as the Scots were very strong were very strong Protestants and thought Protestants and thought that the book was a that the book was a piece of Catholic evil. piece of Catholic evil. When priests tried to When priests tried to read it out, there were read it out, there were riots.riots.

Question 7: The Grand Remonstrance and the 5

MembersIt is 1642.It is 1642.Parliament recently passed the Parliament recently passed the Grand Grand

RemonstranceRemonstrance, which limited your powers still , which limited your powers still further. However, it only just got through further. However, it only just got through Parliament - 159 people voted in favor, but 148 Parliament - 159 people voted in favor, but 148 voted against it.Many MP's are clearly coming voted against it.Many MP's are clearly coming over to your side and think that Parliament is over to your side and think that Parliament is getting too big for its boots.Some of your getting too big for its boots.Some of your advisors suggest that this is a good time to advisors suggest that this is a good time to arrest the leading arrest the leading Five MembersFive Members of Parliament of Parliament who are against you so that you can get back who are against you so that you can get back in control. What do you say?in control. What do you say?

Options:

Option 1: Burst into Parliament tomorrow and Option 1: Burst into Parliament tomorrow and grab the 5 Members unawares!”grab the 5 Members unawares!”

Option 2: "Forget the idea. It will only cause Option 2: "Forget the idea. It will only cause more trouble that we can do without".more trouble that we can do without".

Option 3: "Use a few spies to work out when the Option 3: "Use a few spies to work out when the 5 Members will all be in Parliament, then go 5 Members will all be in Parliament, then go ahead and grab them there".ahead and grab them there".


Option 1:

A terrible mistake. Although you succeed A terrible mistake. Although you succeed in arresting the in arresting the 5 Members5 Members, all those , all those MP's who had been supporting you are MP's who had been supporting you are now convinced that you are evil. now convinced that you are evil. Parliament is re-united against you and Parliament is re-united against you and your situation looks worse than ever.your situation looks worse than ever.



Option 2:

A wise move. In this way you will A wise move. In this way you will encourage more MP's to come over to encourage more MP's to come over to your side and not scare them off by your side and not scare them off by acting too harshly, although a few acting too harshly, although a few others think that you are weak and others think that you are weak and unable to stand up to Parliament.unable to stand up to Parliament.



Option 3:

You send the spies, but some of them You send the spies, but some of them must have been double-agents, must have been double-agents, because the because the 5 Members5 Members get to hear of get to hear of the plan to arrest them and vanish. the plan to arrest them and vanish. When you burst into Parliament they are When you burst into Parliament they are already gone and you look a complete already gone and you look a complete fool.fool.

The likelihood of Civil War rises by 10%!The likelihood of Civil War rises by 10%!



Charles decided to use a few spies to Charles decided to use a few spies to work out when the 5 Members work out when the 5 Members would all be in Parliament, but some would all be in Parliament, but some of them must have been double-of them must have been double-agents, because the 5 Members got agents, because the 5 Members got to hear of the plan to arrest them to hear of the plan to arrest them and vanished. When Charles burst and vanished. When Charles burst into Parliament they were not there into Parliament they were not there and the speaker refused to tell the and the speaker refused to tell the King where they were, saying "I King where they were, saying "I have neither eyes to see nor ears to have neither eyes to see nor ears to hear in this place".Charles had no hear in this place".Charles had no option but to leave again, looking a option but to leave again, looking a complete idiot.complete idiot.

Question 8: The Irish Rebellion and the Nineteen

PropositionsThe Irish are in open rebellion against you The Irish are in open rebellion against you

because they can see that you are because they can see that you are having problems. Your weakness having problems. Your weakness indicates that they have an opportunity to indicates that they have an opportunity to break free of English rule. You go to break free of English rule. You go to Parliament and tell them how important it Parliament and tell them how important it is to send an army over there to deal with is to send an army over there to deal with them. They agree, but you are shocked them. They agree, but you are shocked when they present you with a list of when they present you with a list of Nineteen PropositionsNineteen Propositions which demand which demand that control of the army should be in the that control of the army should be in the hands of Parliament and that even the hands of Parliament and that even the education of your children should be in education of your children should be in their hands.their hands.

What is your reply?What is your reply?

Options:

Option 1: Give in to their demands. It is Option 1: Give in to their demands. It is important the country gets back to important the country gets back to normal, whatever the cost to me.normal, whatever the cost to me.

Option 2: Refuse to accept. These Option 2: Refuse to accept. These demands are humiliating and would demands are humiliating and would leave you completely powerless.leave you completely powerless.

Option 1 Option 2

Option 1

In the circumstances, this is probably the In the circumstances, this is probably the best you can do, although it is only best you can do, although it is only making Parliament ever more arrogant.making Parliament ever more arrogant.



Option 2

By refusing to accept you prove that you By refusing to accept you prove that you have a great deal of principle, but it have a great deal of principle, but it means that any chance of compromise means that any chance of compromise is over. War is now inevitable.is over. War is now inevitable.

The likelihood of Civil War rises by 10%!The likelihood of Civil War rises by 10%!



Charles completely refused to surrender control Charles completely refused to surrender control of the army, saying that to do so would make of the army, saying that to do so would make him "a mere phantom of a King". At this point him "a mere phantom of a King". At this point both sides realized that there was no hope of both sides realized that there was no hope of agreement, and that a war was now agreement, and that a war was now inevitable.inevitable.

In August 1642 Charles raised his standard at In August 1642 Charles raised his standard at Nottingham and appealed to all loyal subjects Nottingham and appealed to all loyal subjects to join him in a war against Parliament. The to join him in a war against Parliament. The Civil War had begun.Civil War had begun.

What are your odds?

Tally the Tally the percentages that percentages that brought you closer brought you closer to civil war…what to civil war…what are the odds that are the odds that you would have you would have brought England to brought England to a civil war?a civil war?

Remember to write Remember to write your X,Y,Z thesis….your X,Y,Z thesis….

Documents

Don’t Lose Your Head! Charles I Game