The Short Parliament was a session of the English Parliament that convened in April 1640 and lasted only three weeks. It was called by King Charles I to address financial issues and conflicts with Scotland, particularly regarding the Bishop's Wars. However, the Parliament quickly became critical of the king's policies and refused to grant him the funds he sought. Due to its brief duration and lack of significant achievements, the Short Parliament was dissolved in May 1640. This led to increased tensions between the monarchy and Parliament, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642.