The Bishops' Wars (also termed Bellum Episcopale), were conflicts, both political and military, which occurred in 1639 and 1640 centred around the nature of the governance of the Church of Scotland, and the rights and powers of the Crown. They constitute part of a larger political conflict across Scotland, England and Ireland, and are often considered a prelude to the English Civil Wars. They were so named due to the central conflict between Charles I, who favoured an episcopalian system of church government for Scotland (with bishops), and the desire of much of the polity of Scotland for a presbyterian system of governance (without bishops).
Read more about Bishops' Wars: Origins, First Bishops' War (1639), Interlude, Second Bishops' War (1640)
Famous quotes containing the word wars:
“That doctrine [of peace at any price] has done more mischief than any I can well recall that have been afloat in this country. It has occasioned more wars than any of the most ruthless conquerors. It has disturbed and nearly destroyed that political equilibrium so necessary to the liberties and the welfare of the world.”
—Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881)