Interpretations of Charles I's Execution during the English Civil War

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores different historical interpretations of the significance of Charles I's execution, encouraging students to compare perspectives and evaluate their validity.

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Interpretations of Charles I's Execution during the English Civil War

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Contrasting Historians' Views on Charles I's Execution

Historian A: John Morrill – Political Perspective

"John Morrill argues that the execution of Charles I was primarily a political act that marked the end of royal absolutism and the beginning of constitutional monarchy in England. He contends that the trial and execution were necessary to establish parliamentary sovereignty and prevent future tyranny. Morrill views Charles as a monarch who overstepped his powers, leading to the Civil War, and believes his death was a justified step in establishing a new political order."

Historian B: Christopher Hill – Social Perspective

"Christopher Hill sees the execution as a reflection of broader social upheaval and radical ideas in 17th-century England. He emphasizes the influence of common people, radical groups, and religious dissenters who saw the king's death as a symbol of social change. Hill suggests that the execution was not just political but also a social revolution, representing a shift towards greater republican ideals and challenging traditional social hierarchies."

1.
Summarize each historian's view on the significance of Charles I's execution. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Compare the reasons why Morrill and Hill believe Charles I was executed. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
3.
Evaluate which interpretation you find more convincing and explain why. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
4.
Outline how the differing perspectives of Morrill and Hill help us understand the complexity of the event. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
5.
Explain why historians might have different views about the significance of Charles I's execution. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
6.
Describe one way in which the political and social interpretations of Charles I's execution can be combined to give a fuller understanding of the event. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
7.
Identify two reasons why the interpretation of historians might change over time regarding the significance of Charles I's execution. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
8.
Summarise the main differences between Morrill's and Hill's interpretations in your own words. (4 marks)
[4 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet