Anthony Ascham facts for kids
Anthony Ascham (born around 1614 – died May 27, 1650) was a smart British man who studied at university. He was also a political thinker, a supporter of the Parliament, and a diplomat. He lived during a very important time in English history, the English Civil War.
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Life of Anthony Ascham
Anthony Ascham was likely born on March 6, 1614. He was the younger son of Thomas Ascham, a local leader in Boston, Lincolnshire. He went to Eton, a famous school, and then to King's College, Cambridge in 1634. He earned his first degree in 1638 and a master's degree in 1642. He then became a Fellow at his college, which meant he was a senior member of staff, until he died.
Anthony Ascham supported the Parliament during the English Civil War. He became a tutor to James, Duke of York, who later became King James II. He also taught James's brother, Henry Stuart, Duke of Gloucester.
Because he supported the Parliament, Ascham was given important jobs. In 1649, he became a trade representative in Hamburg for the new government, the Commonwealth of England. In 1650, he was sent to represent England in Spain. However, he was sadly killed by a group of six Royalists in an inn in Madrid on May 27, 1650.
Anthony Ascham's Ideas and Writings
In 1648, Anthony Ascham published an important book called A Discourse, wherein is examined what is particularly lawfull during the Confusions and Revolutions of Government. This book came out during a time of great political uncertainty in England. The country was in the middle of the Second English Civil War.
Obeying the Government in Power
Ascham's book talked about a big question: what should people do when the government changes, especially after a war? He argued that people should obey the government that is currently in power. This idea was called "de facto" government. It meant that if a government had control and could protect its people, then people should follow its rules.
Many people found this idea shocking. They believed that loyalty should be to the rightful king, not just to whoever had power. But Ascham and others argued that it was important for people to have peace and safety. If the current government could provide that, then people should support it.
The Engagement Debate
After Parliament won the Civil War and set up the Commonwealth, people were asked to promise their loyalty to the new government. This promise was called the "Engagement." For many, this was a difficult choice. They had already promised loyalty to King Charles I.
Anthony Ascham argued that promises of loyalty had a hidden condition: the government must be able to protect its people. If a government could no longer protect its people, then people were no longer bound by their promise. He believed that people were justified in giving their loyalty to any power that could keep them safe.
Ascham's ideas were very important during this time. They helped people understand how to act when their country was going through big changes. His book was even republished later, when King James II was removed from power, because people faced similar questions about loyalty to a new ruler.
Images for kids
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Anthony Ascham by Robert Cooper
