How did the political philosophy of the Divine Right of Kings influence the Stuarts?

The Divine Right of Kings significantly influenced the Stuarts by justifying their absolute authority and resistance to parliamentary control.

The Divine Right of Kings was a political philosophy that held that a monarch's authority was directly granted by God, and therefore, they were not subject to earthly authority such as the parliament. This belief was a significant influence on the Stuart dynasty, particularly on kings like James I and Charles I, who used it to justify their attempts to rule with absolute power and resist the constraints imposed by parliament.

James I, who reigned from 1603 to 1625, was a firm believer in the Divine Right of Kings. He saw himself as God's lieutenant on earth, with a divine mandate to rule. This belief was reflected in his policies and his resistance to parliamentary control. He often clashed with parliament over issues such as taxation and foreign policy, asserting his divine right to rule as he saw fit. His belief in the Divine Right of Kings also influenced his approach to religious matters, leading to tensions with both Catholics and Puritans.

Charles I, James I's son and successor, also subscribed to the belief in the Divine Right of Kings. Like his father, he believed that his authority was granted by God and was therefore absolute. This belief led him to rule without parliament for eleven years, a period known as the Personal Rule or the Eleven Years' Tyranny. His attempts to impose religious conformity and his resistance to parliamentary control, justified by his belief in the Divine Right of Kings, ultimately led to the English Civil War and his execution.

The Divine Right of Kings also influenced the Stuarts' relations with other institutions and groups. The Church of England, for example, was seen as a key supporter of the monarchy and the Divine Right of Kings. The Stuarts' belief in their divine authority also led to tensions with other groups, such as the Puritans and the parliament, who challenged their absolute authority.

In conclusion, the political philosophy of the Divine Right of Kings was a significant influence on the Stuart dynasty. It shaped their approach to governance, their relations with parliament and other groups, and their handling of religious matters. However, it also led to conflicts and tensions that ultimately contributed to the downfall of the Stuart monarchy.