AQA_2024: A-level History - Component 2E The English Revolution, 1625–1660 (Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme)

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 Materials For this paper you must have:  an AQA 16-page answer book. Instructions Afternoon  Use black ink or black ball-point pen. Time allowed: 2 hours 30 minutes  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 3 Key areas: 1. The Early Stuart Kings and Growing Tensions (1625–1640):  Charles I’s Rule: Charles I’s belief in absolute monarchy led to clashes with Parliament. He ruled without Parliament from 1629–1640, known as the Personal Rule.  Financial Issues: Charles struggled with finances, imposing taxes like Ship Money without Parliamentary consent, angering many and deepening resentment.  Religious Conflict: His attempts to impose Arminianism (a more Catholic form of Protestantism) alienated Puritans. Tensions with Scotland over religious reforms (the Bishops’ Wars, 1639–1640) worsened the situation. 2. The Long Parliament and the Path to Civil War (1640–1642):  The Long Parliament (1640–1648): Charles was forced to summon Parliament due to his financial crisis. Parliament moved to limit royal power by abolishing controversial practices, such as the Star Chamber.  The Grand Remonstrance (1641): A list of grievances that called for a constitutional monarchy. Charles rejected it, increasing tensions.  Breakdown of Relations: By 1642, both sides prepared for war after Charles attempted to arrest five members of Parliament. The breakdown in trust led to the English Civil War. 3. The English Civil War (1642–1646):  Royalists vs Parliamentarians: The war pitted the Royalists (Cavaliers) against the Parliamentarians (Roundheads). Key battles included Marston Moor (1644) and Naseby (1645), where Parliament’s forces, led by Oliver Cromwell, gained decisive victories.  New Model Army: The creation of the New Model Army in 1645 under Cromwell proved a turning point, contributing to the Royalist defeat by 1646. 4. The Interregnum (1646–1660):  Execution of Charles I (1649): In 1649, Charles I was tried and executed for treason, marking the end of the monarchy and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Cromwell.  Cromwell’s Rule: Cromwell ruled as Lord Protector (1653–1658), establishing a military dictatorship. His regime was marked by Puritan reforms, harsh policies in Ireland, and internal divisions.  Fall of the Commonwealth: After Cromwell’s death in 1658, his son Richard Cromwell failed to maintain control, leading to the collapse of the Commonwealth. 5. The Restoration of the Monarchy (1660):  Return of Charles II: In 1660, political instability led to the invitation of Charles II from exile, restoring the monarchy. This event marked the end of the Interregnum and the start of the Restoration period. 6. Legacy of the English Revolution:  Constitutional Change: The revolution shifted the balance of power between the monarchy and Parliament, contributing to the future development of constitutional monarchy. IB/M/Jun24/7042/2E 7042/2E Turn over ► IB/M/Jun24/G4006/E4 4 IB/M/Jun24/7042/2E 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 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 His Majesty. In short, nothing is done by the new King without Buckingham. 5 10 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, 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? 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? 5 10 3 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 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. I have not obtained my position to satisfy my ambition or make a profit. 5 10 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 ► 6 IB/M/Jun24/7042/2E 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.’