Слайд 2Background
The Gunpowder Plot was a failed attempt to assassinate King James I
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of England (James VI of Scotland)and his heir – Prince Henry, during the Opening of Parliament on November 5th,1605.
Слайд 3Background
Before the 16th century, like its European neighbours, England was an unquestionably
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Roman Catholic country.
English Catholics had expected more religious tolerance under James I compared to the reign of his predecessor, Elizabeth I. James's wife, Anne of Denmark, was a Catholic, and the king initially appeared sympathetic to English Catholicism.
However, these hopes were dashed in early 1604 when in a speech to Parliament James I said he ‘detested’ the Catholic faith. Days later, he ordered all Jesuit and Catholic priests to leave the realm.
Слайд 4The plotters
James I came to the English throne in 1603 and signed
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a peace treaty with Catholic Spain in 1604, ending the Anglo-Spanish War (1585–1604). For some Catholics, this was a terrible blow to their hopes that Spain might invade England and re-impose Catholicism.
Слайд 5The plotters
Catesby and the core group of conspirators first met and swore
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an oath of secrecy on 20 May 1604. At first they had planned to tunnel beneath the Houses of Parliament, but in 1605 they were able to rent a cellar located directly beneath the House of Lords.
Слайд 6Background
Dozens of barrels of gunpowder were moved in, and explosives expert Guy
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Fawkes prepared to ignite the cache during the Opening of Parliament.