AQA_2024: A-level History - Component 2E
The English Revolution, 1625–1660
(Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme)
A-level
HISTORY
Component 2E The English Revolution, 1625–1660
Friday 7 June 2024 Afternoon Time allowed: 2 hours 30 minutes
Materials
For this paper you must have:
an AQA 16-page answer book.
Instructions
Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Paper Reference is
7042/2E.
Answer three questions.
In Section A answer Question 01.
In Section B answer two questions.
Information
The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
The maximum mark for this paper is 80.
You will be marked on your ability to:
– use good English
– organise information clearly
– use specialist vocabulary where appropriate.
Advice
You are advised to spend about:
– 1 hour on Question 01 from Section A
– 45 minutes on each of the two questions answered from Section B.
IB/M/Jun24/7042/2E
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Key areas:
1. The Early Stuart Kings and Tensions with Parliament (1625–1640):
Charles I's Rule: Charles I's belief in absolute monarchy led to tensions with Parliament. His
attempts to rule without Parliament, particularly from 1629–1640, caused significant unrest.
Financial Problems: To raise money without Parliament, Charles introduced controversial taxes
like Ship Money and attempted to collect taxes illegally, which angered many, especially in the
counties.
2. The Long Parliament and the Road to Civil War (1640–1642):
The Long Parliament (1640–1648): After failing to suppress the Scots, Charles I was forced to
summon Parliament again in 1640. The Long Parliament immediately moved to limit royal power by
abolishing the Star Chamber and other royal prerogatives.
Political Divisions: The Parliamentarians (Roundheads) and the Royalists (Cavaliers) became
more polarized over issues of governance, religion, and monarchy.
3. The English Civil War (1642–1646):
Outbreak of War: Tensions between Charles I and Parliament escalated into armed conflict in
1642, with battles like Edgehill (1642) and Marston Moor (1644).
New Model Army: The Parliamentarians, under Oliver Cromwell, formed the New Model Army, a
highly disciplined and effective force that played a key role in defeating the Royalists.
4. The Interregnum and the Rise of Cromwell (1646–1660):
Political Conflict: After the defeat of the Royalists, there was conflict within Parliament between
Moderates and Radicals (Independents), and with the army led by Cromwell. This led to the
Pride's Purge (1648), when the Army removed moderates from Parliament, leading to the creation
of the Rump Parliament.
.
5. The Restoration of the Monarchy (1660):
Collapse of the Commonwealth: After Cromwell’s death in 1658, his son Richard Cromwell failed
to maintain control, leading to political instability.
Restoration of Charles II: In 1660, with the monarchy in disarray, Charles II was invited back to
England from exile, marking the end of the Interregnum and the restoration of the monarchy.
6. Legacy of the Revolution:
Political Change: The English Revolution significantly altered the balance of power between the
monarchy and Parliament. While the monarchy was restored in 1660, the conflict had permanently
undermined the idea of absolute monarchy.
Religious Impact: The revolution had lasting religious consequences, with the establishment of a
Puritan government under Cromwell and the later rise of Religious Toleration in England.
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IB/M/Jun24/7042/2E Turn over ►
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Section A
Answer Question 01.
Source A
From a report to the Duke of Tuscany from his Ambassador in London, April 1625. The
report describes the Duke of Buckingham’s relationship with the new king, Charles I.
The Duke of Buckingham, although deeply grieved by the loss of James, the late King,
his ever generous master, may feel assured that the goodwill and favour of the new King,
Charles, will be extended to him, to a greater degree, if that be possible. This is already
shown by the clearest evidence. On the evening of Charles’ proclamation as King, as he
went to London, in his carriage was Buckingham. Buckingham is with his Majesty 5
Charles all day. He sleeps in a room next to the royal bedchamber and has been
confirmed by Charles in all his offices, which are numerous and of the highest
importance. He has also been made Gentleman of the Bedchamber and has received
the golden key, the emblem of his office, so that he can, whenever he pleases, and at
any hour, enter that chamber as well as any other part of the palace occupied by 10
His Majesty. In short, nothing is done by the new King without Buckingham.
Source B
From six questions presented to the House of Commons by Samuel Turner, March 1626.
Turner was an opponent of Buckingham.
1. Is the Duke of Buckingham, being Lord High Admiral, not the cause of the loss of the
King’s influence at sea?
2. Are the unreasonable, exorbitant, and immense gifts of money and land bestowed on
the Duke and his family, not the cause of limiting the King’s revenue?
3. Is the multiplicity of offices conferred upon the Duke, and others depending upon him, 5
not the cause of the evil government of this kingdom?
4. Are not recusants increased by reason of the Duke’s mother and father-in-law being
known papists?
5. Are not the sale of honours, offices and places of judges, and ecclesiastical livings
and promotions, a scandal and hurt to the kingdom through the same Duke? 10
6. Is the Duke’s staying at home, being Lord High Admiral of the fleet and General of the
land army, not the cause of the failure at Cadiz; and did he give good direction for that
attack on Cadiz?
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