the background of a source is known as its provenance. This includes who, why, and when it was written

the reason why a source was made is known as its purpose

propaganda is information, often false, which is published by a person or group to make others agree with them

Popular political pamphlets in seventeenth-century England

History

In this unit, pupils considered how varying views about the appropriate powers of Parliament and the monarchy had developed in England by the mid-17th century. In 'The Glorious Revolution: how do historians' views of it differ?', pupils will analyse continued divisions in English politics and explain how a more permanent shift in power from the monarch to Parliament was able to occur.

In 'The Norman Conquest: how do we know about the impact of the Conquest on England?', students considered how primary sources constitute a fundamental part of historical enquiry. In this unit, pupils will interrogate sources further, considering how content and provenance may impact the utility of a source.

In this unit, pupils briefly learn about the causes and conduct of the English Civil War. They then learn about Oliver Cromwell's rule and the restoration of the monarchy. Pupils finish the unit by examining how these events were represented in popular political pamphlets of the day.

The English Civil War: what can pamphlets tell us about 17th century politics? 

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

getting rid of something you disagree with

person with very strict Protestant beliefs

information, often false, used to change how others think

group with a set of, often extreme, religious beliefs

Match up each of the key words with its correct definition.

Write the missing word. The 11-year gap between the reigns of Charles I and Charles II is known as the _______.

Write the missing word. The author, date, and purpose of a source are all part of its _______.

They wanted to make people switch support to themselves.

They wanted to provide people with entertaining reading.

Why did the Parliamentarians create pamphlets during the Civil War claiming that many leading Royalists were Catholics?

Charles I reintroduces some Catholic practices

Starting with the earliest, sort these events into chronological order.

Cromwell and the Protectorate were popular.

Cromwell and the Protectorate were unpopular.

What can historians learn from Anna Trapnel’s pamphlet "Cry of a Stone"?

  Match up the key words with their correct definitions.

Who was crowned king during the Restoration?

Charles I approved a new Book of Common Prayer.

Charles I refused to let Parliament approve his advisors.

Charles I made more people pay taxes like Ship Money.

Charles married a Catholic Queen, Henrietta Maria.

Identify a financial cause of the English Civil War.

Write the missing word. When historians use sources, they must think carefully about their _______ as well as what the sources actually say.

Most people were happy with their rulers.

There was lots of agreement about how the country should be run.

There were lots of different ideas about how to run the country.

What do pamphlets from the years 1640-60 tell us about England at the time?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz