To what extent was the personal rule of Charles I responsible for the outbreak of the civil war?The personal rule of Charles I had a key role to play in the outbreak of the civil war. During this eleven-year period there was an increase in tension not only due to religious reform but also financial pressure. However, events between 1640 and 1642 provided the most compelling reasons for the outbreak of the Civil War, such as the execution of Wentworth and the reversal of the Laudian reforms. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Charles I's personal rule led to increased tension in all three kingdoms that eventually manifested itself in civil war. A very significant factor in the outbreak of the Civil War was the financially crippling policies of Wentworth in Ireland. By alienating the two main groups in Ireland (Old English and New English), he introduced the new rate book which helped increase income from £40,000 in 1633 to £80,000 in 1640. This created a dangerous resentment (combined with religious resentment) which eventually led to the 1641 uprising in Ulster. Although the causes of the uprising in Ireland were the events of personal rule, the turning point that ensured civil war was the events of 1640-1642. The Irish Rising was very important in an English context because Parliament and Charles had a large debate over who should raise an army. John Pym claimed that "mischievous councilors" influenced the king in the Great Remonstrance of 1641. This listed two hundred and four cases and called for the removal of all councilors. In 1641 Wentworth himself was executed and named "the most hated person in England", which angered Charles (he never forgave himself for his death). The Great Remonstrance and Wentworth's execution were extremely important because they showed the breakdown of the relationship between the King and Parliament between 1640 and 1641. For example, in 1642 Charles sent 200 soldiers into parliament to arrest five strong critics of him . This demonstrated to parliament that Charles was willing to arrest MPs (who represent the people) and confirmed the outbreak of civil war because Charles subsequently left London for Oxford to raise an army. It is clear to say that Charles' policies in his personal rule caused the Irish Rising and was a long-term factor, but the most significant short-term factor in actually causing the civil war were the events that followed to a large extent, such as the civil war. Great Complaint. Finance in Charles' personal government was a very significant factor in causing the outbreak of the civil war. Charles lacked money and the way he obtained it caused enormous resentment, “eleven years of tyranny”. Only parliament could legally raise taxes, which meant that Charles used his royal prerogative to raise funds. This is evidenced by his knightly fees on landowners worth £40 or more per annum; monopolies sold to traders (which is prohibited by parliamentary stature); forestry fines imposed. In 1635 the king asked for money for ships from all counties (including non-coastal counties). This was hugely significant in causing resentment and is demonstrated by John Hampden (MP) who opposed this tax. Charles was a strong supporter of the right to dive and believed that these actions were his legal right, which became extremely unpopular in Parliament. These actions were followed by parliament's retaliation (refusal to give money unless Charles agreed to the reform of the list of grievances) in.’