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Scotland - Puritan Commonwealth
Shortly after his reign began in 1625, Charles I attempted to impose Anglican-style church services on Scotland.
Representatives of various sections of Scottish society drew up the National Covenant, asserting their right to worship in the Presbyterian manner.
Charles declared war, but lost his nerve on the eve of his invasion, settling for more negotiations.
When the Scottish notables continued to stymie his efforts he declared war again, as a result of which he was forced to summon the English Parliament to appeal for funds.
This belligerent Long Parliament eventually provoked the English Civil War, and Charles then had more problems to deal with than Scottish obstinacy.
Perversely, towards the end of the Civil War, Scotland became the stronghold of support for the King. The Stuarts came of Scottish descent, after all, and Charles even promised the Presbyterian church a chance to spread into England in return for an alliance.
After Charles' execution in 1648, his eldest son was proclaimed King Charles II in Edinburgh.
Oliver Cromwell invaded in 1650 to assert the English Parliament's control, and defeated the Scottish army in a series of battles. Charles II fled to France.
From 1652 to 1658, Scotland formed an integral part of the Puritan-governed Commonwealth, under English control but gaining equal trading rights.
Upon its collapse, nominal independence returned with the restoration of Charles II to the throne.
Scotland regained its parliament, but the English Navigation Acts prevented the Scots from sharing its commercial success to escape impoverishment.
Charles largely ignored Scotland for the next two decades, concentrating on extending his power in England.
He did, however, continue his father's policy of introducing Anglican worship into Scotland.
This eventually provoked another rebellion in 1679.
Charles largely contained the rebellion, but despite the subsequent "Killing Times" made little progress in stamping out Presbyterianism.
When he died in 1685 and his Catholic brother, James VII of Scotland & II of England succeeded him, matters came to a head.
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Click here for the Scotland360.com History of Scotland Index page.
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