11. The Second Civil War 1646 - 48/49 Flashcards
Charles’ position in 46
Although militarily defeated, still viewed as necessary to a lasting settlement due to him being the upholder of society as the monarch and him agreeing being necessary for royalists to agree to a settlement. He would have to be negotiated with.
Charles’ attitude after the 1st civil war
refused to compromise on his prerogative
Factionalism after the 1st civil war
Split between moderate political Presbyterians and radical political independents. Presbyterians most influential in 46 due to pro-peace stance and it is likely the nation would have accepted a light settlement if Charles would.
Political Presbyterians
-Led by Denzil Holles
-“Peace party”
-Conservative socially and poltically
-Opposed religious toleration
-Favoured negotiation with Charles
-Increasingly worried about new model army
-Drew closer to Scots
-Supported Presbyterian church to prevent social revolution
Political Independents
-Led by Cromwell and Fairfax
-“War party”
-Disliked authoritarianism of Presbyterianism
-Wanted religious toleration
-Allied with new model army against Charles
-Willing to settle and disband NMA if Charles accepted limitations on power
Newcastle propostions
July 46 - Charles would accept Presbyterianism for 3 years, militia would be under the control of parliament (Charles’ expected life), the Triennial Act would be enforced, all but 58 royalists would be pardoned (proposed by political Presbyterians)
Charles’ response to the Newcastle propositions
He stalled to allow divisions to develop in parliament which made settlement more difficult. Disagreements over religion common. Led to an altered version being offered which would demobilise the NMA and Create a new army out of London’s Trained Bands. Holles issued the declaration of dislike declaring the army petitioners for a harsher treaty were enemies of the state.
Politicisation of the NMA
Newcastle propositions and declaration of dislike upset NMA as they viewed it as too lenient and offensive. Feared Presbyterians would create a new army out of moderate parliamentarians in the North. Further enraged by the fear of being disbanded before receiving £3,000,000 owed to them. Furthermore, no indemnity act had been issued to prevent prosecution for military actions in the war.
Heads of the Proposals
Published on 2nd August and called for:
-Regular Biennial parliaments
-reform of parliamentary representation
-parliamentary control of army and navy
-religious settlement maintaining bishops
-Act of oblivion pardoning most royalists
Left Charles with some form of power and his rights would be intact, but parliament would be limited. Shows NMA’s lack of trust for them. Ireton negotiated directly with Charles for these terms.
Adjutators
Those responsible in the NMA for its politicisation and radicalisation.
Failure of the Heads
On 3rd July, Ireton stayed up with the King until midnight trying to get the heads sorted. This expressed their desire for a moderate settlement to be achieved, bringing division in the army, putting pressure on Charles and Cromwell. Soon became clear Charles didn’t care about the Heads. On the 26th, a mob stormed the commons under order of Holles and passed a resolution inviting Charles to London. On the 3rd of August, the NMA reached London and marched on Westminster on the 6th. Charles escaped from Hampton Court in November, sparking the second civil war after negotiations with the Scots.
How did the 2nd civil war occur?
After the first civil war, conservatism was high, and people were reluctant to fund the NMA. After Parliament sent the 4 bills (Amalgamation of Newcastle propositions and heads) he escaped on the 11th of November, and rejected the 4 bills in december.
The Engagement
Dec 47 - Charles organised an agreement with the engagers, a faction of the covenanters not happy with their alliance with parliament. In return for 3 years of Presbyterianism in England, the Scots would restore Charles to power.
Vote of No Addresses
In January 48, parliament, in response, passed the vote of no addresses stating they would not want to negotiate with Charles.
Windsor Prayer Meeting
April 1648 - NMA gathered at Windsor to pray, Thomas Harrison declared Charles a “man of blood” and regicide was publicly debated.
How was the New model Army “God instrument”
-Godly officers were very devout and gave the army a religious drive
-Each regiment had chaplains that provided more religious motivation through sermons and Bible studies
-Each regiment had its own banner with religious origins
-Fasting and reflection used to prepare for battle
-Lay preaching saw the soldiers themselves preach the word of god
-Alienation from the rest of society made them view themselves as more godly
-General army council was created due to a belief in equality
Why did the royalists lose?
-Royalist risings in South Wales and England were uncoordinated and were easily crushed by the NMA
-NMA split between uprisings, with Lambert sent to slow down the Scottish forces
-In July 48, Scottish forces entered England, joining 4,000 royalists
-In In August, Cromwell went North and destroyed the Scots
-In October, Cromwell occupied Edinburgh and secured the anti-engager Scots’ position
Result of the Second Civil War
-Radical millenarians such as Thomas Harrison, Ireton and Cromwell more convinced god was on their side and that Charles was condemned
-Many viewed settlement as impossible
-Parliament still wanted to negotiate, further splitting the NMA from parliament
