During the same century which saw the triumph of
absolutism and divine right in France, a successful struggle took place in
England against the unlimited power of kings. Absolutism in England dated from
the time of the Tudors. Henry VII humbled the nobles, while Henry VIII and
Elizabeth brought the Church into dependence on the crown. These three
sovereigns were strong and forceful, but they were also excellent rulers and
popular with the influential middle class in town and country. The Tudors gave
England order and prosperity, if not political liberty.
PARLIAMENT UNDER THE TUDORS
The English Parliament in the thirteenth century had
become a body representative of all classes of the people, and in the
fourteenth century it had separated into the two houses of Lords and Commons.
Parliament enjoyed considerable authority at this time. The kings, who
were in continual need of money, summoned it frequently, sought its advice upon
important questions, and readily listened to its requests. The despotic Tudors,
on the other hand, made Parliament their servant. Henry VII called it together
on only five occasions during his reign; Henry VIII persuaded or frightened it
into doing anything he pleased; and Elizabeth seldom consulted it. Parliament
under the Tudors did not abandon its old claims to a share in the government,
but it had little chance to exercise them.
