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.
,A-Level History: Component 2E - The English Revolution, 1625–1660/ Exam Summary
This component explores the political, social, and religious upheavals in England during the period 1625 to
1660, culminating in the English Revolution. Key themes include:
The Reign of Charles I (1625–1642): The challenges of Charles I's rule, including his belief in the
divine right of kings, tensions with Parliament, and his controversial policies, such as forced loans,
ship money, and the collection of taxes without parliamentary consent. His conflicts with Parliament
over financial and religious matters led to the breakdown of relations.
The Causes of the Civil War (1642): The factors leading to the outbreak of the English Civil War,
including the struggle between royal authority and parliamentary power, religious conflicts
(particularly between Anglicans and Puritans), and regional divisions in England. The conflict
between King Charles I and Parliament reached a breaking point, leading to the war.
The English Civil War (1642–1646): The military conflict between the Royalists (Cavaliers)
supporting the king and the Parliamentarians (Roundheads) led by figures such as Oliver Cromwell.
Key battles, including the Battle of Naseby (1645), and the rise of the New Model Army, which
played a crucial role in Parliament’s victory.
The Execution of Charles I and the Interregnum (1649–1660): The trial and execution of King
Charles I in 1649, marking the end of the monarchy and the establishment of the Commonwealth
under Oliver Cromwell. The political experiments of the Interregnum, including the creation of a
republican government and the challenges of ruling without a monarchy. Cromwell’s leadership, the
military campaigns in Ireland and Scotland, and his eventual assumption of power as Lord Protector.
The Restoration of the Monarchy (1660): The decline of the Commonwealth and the eventual
return of Charles II in 1660, restoring the monarchy after Cromwell’s death and the failure of his son
Richard to maintain power. The political and religious landscape in England following the
Restoration and the challenges faced by the monarchy in the years after.
This exam assesses the causes, events, and consequences of the English Revolution, including the conflict
between monarchy and Parliament, the impact of the Civil War, and the political and social changes that led
to the temporary overthrow of the monarchy and its subsequent restoration.
IB/M/Jun24/G4006/E4 7042/2E
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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?
IB/M/Jun24/7042/2E
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Source C
From a speech in the House of Lords by the Duke of Buckingham, June 1626.
Buckingham is responding to the impeachment charges brought against him by the
House of Commons.
I was grieved that these proceedings against me have caused a delay in undertaking our
foreign policy this year. As a consequence we have delayed the resolutions that would
have comforted our Protestant friends abroad and secured ourselves at home. But, my
Lords, I am sure you will easily acquit me in your thoughts as this business is caused by
the Commons, not me. Had they made an effort to be better informed, or allowed me to 5
inform them, I assure myself they would not have troubled your Lordships with this
charge. I presume the Commons proceeded against me out of a zealous affection to do
their King and Country service, and not out of envy of my reputation or to destroy my
fortune. I freely confess that I have been raised to honours and fortunes beyond my
merits. What I lacked in experience, I have endeavoured to supply by care and industry. 10
I have not obtained my position to satisfy my ambition or make a profit.
0 1 With reference to these sources and your understanding of the historical context,
assess the value of these three sources to an historian studying the influence of the
Duke of Buckingham in 1625/26.
[30 marks]
Turn over for Section B
IB/M/Jun24/7042/2E Turn over ►
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Section B
Answer two questions.
0 2 How important was the role of Pym, in the years 1640 to 1642, in the outbreak of the
Civil War in England in August 1642?
[25 marks]
0 3 ‘The outcome of the First Civil War in England was decided more by the weaknesses of
the Royalists than by the strengths of Parliament.’
Assess the validity of this view.
[25 marks]
0 4 ‘In the years 1649 to 1653, the political and religious radicals failed to achieve their
aims because they had insufficient support.’
Assess the validity of this view.
[25 marks]
END OF QUESTIONS
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IB/M/Jun24/7042/2E