13. The failure to secure a post-war settlement: post-war divisions and regicide 1648-49 Flashcards
NMA after civil wars
Believed they had divine providence and that god would protect/direct them, became emboldened to challenge parliament.
Reasons for the failure of a settlement
-Charles failed to accept one
-Parliament was divided between 2 parties
-NMA was politicised and had their own ideas for settlement/declaration of man of blood, did not cooperate with parliament
-Radicals calling for regicide.
Where was Charles held after 2nd civil war
Isle of Wight
Newport Treaty
summer 48 - Attempted to settle with Charles
Remonstrance of the army
Response to the potential settlement with Charles caused the NMA to act. Many believe Charles had to face punishment as a man of blood. Ireton published the remonstrance on the 18th November demanding Charles be put on trial, which they refused.
Prides Purge
After the newport treaty voted on 5th Dec 129 to 83, Colonel Thomas Pride on the 6th removed moderate MP’s and put them in a pub called “Hell” - military coup. Remaining MP’s (around 50) became the Rump. confirms Charles’ death warrant - army purge opposition - ‘that man of blood’
Three Resolutions 1649
Passed on 4th on Jan after High Court of Justice est. 1st, had the force of law - cleared the way of C’s trail - OC “we will cut of his head with the crown on it”
Trial of Charles
-135 commissioners appointed as judges (makes it legit), but many refused to show up (Fairfax attended only one meeting)
-Some saw the trial as a last chance to get Charles to see reason
-Charles refused to accept they had the authority to judge a monarch
-Cromwell became reinforced in believing Charles must die to stabilise the nation
-Charles declared guilty by 59 commisioners (sentenced 27th Jan) and on the 30th Jan, Charles was executed
-Morrill refers to Cromwell as a reluctant regicide
Dec 1648 - Jan 49 debate over the first Agreement of the People
Points of disagreement between the levellers + Army council:
- franchise to be extended (currently no elections)
- extent of religious freedom (republic claiming to be a government for the people)
- sovereignty of the people (L) v. parliamentary sovereignty (AC)
How important was (teh Rump’s) quelling the Leveller leadership in keeping the army onside?
- through agitators they worked to instill mutinity (where army so against leadership) - problematic for OC - nrrfr yo appease them as tehy gave Pment power but eventually suppressed them: March 1649 - L leaders arrested for propaganda against the Rump Pment
