Parliamentarians

Definition

Parliamentarians were members of the Parliament of England who supported the authority of Parliament over the monarchy during the English Civil War (1642-1651). They sought to establish a government that reflected the will of the people, emphasizing democratic principles and limiting the power of the king. This movement fundamentally influenced political thought and literature during and after the Civil War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The parliamentarians believed in the sovereignty of Parliament as opposed to the divine right of kings, which influenced their writings and speeches during the Civil War.
2. Many notable writers emerged from the parliamentarian movement, including John Milton, whose works advocated for liberty and against tyranny.
3. The conflict between parliamentarians and royalists led to a rich body of literature that explored themes of power, governance, and individual rights.
4. The victory of the parliamentarians ultimately resulted in a temporary abolition of the monarchy and establishment of the Commonwealth under Cromwell.
5. The ideas promoted by parliamentarians laid groundwork for future democratic movements in England and influenced Enlightenment thinkers across Europe.

Review Questions

• How did the beliefs of parliamentarians influence literature during the English Civil War?
  • Parliamentarians promoted ideas about governance, liberty, and individual rights, which significantly influenced contemporary literature. Writers like John Milton expressed these beliefs through their works, arguing for freedom from tyranny and advocating for democratic principles. The tension between authority and individualism found in these literary pieces reflected the intense political struggle of the time, allowing writers to engage with themes that resonated with their audience’s experiences.
• Evaluate the role of Oliver Cromwell in shaping the parliamentarian cause during the English Civil War.
  • Oliver Cromwell was a pivotal figure for parliamentarians, serving as a military leader who organized forces against the Royalists. His strategic brilliance led to significant victories, which helped solidify parliamentarian authority. After the war, he became Lord Protector, pushing forward reforms that aligned with parliamentarian ideals while also complicating the very democratic principles they fought for. His leadership exemplified both the successes and contradictions within parliamentarianism.
• Assess how the outcomes of the English Civil War and the rise of parliamentarians impacted modern political thought.
  • The English Civil War marked a crucial turning point in political thought, as it challenged traditional notions of monarchy and introduced concepts like popular sovereignty championed by parliamentarians. This shift influenced subsequent movements for democracy and constitutional governance throughout Europe and beyond. The writings and ideas born from this conflict laid foundational stones for modern democratic theory, leading to an ongoing dialogue about power distribution between rulers and citizens that continues to shape political discourse today.

Related terms

Royalists:

Supporters of King Charles I during the English Civil War, who opposed the parliamentarian cause and fought for the monarchy's authority.

Oliver Cromwell:

A leading figure among the parliamentarians, he was a military and political leader who played a crucial role in the defeat of the Royalists and later became Lord Protector of England.

English Civil War:

A series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists in England, centered around issues of governance and authority.