Chapter Ten | First Civil War Flashcards
What signalled the start of the First Civil War?
Charles raised his royal standard in Nottingham on 22 Aug 1642
Why did some Scottish nobles come to the support of Charles I in 1643?
The Solemn League and Covenant - a military alliance between English Parliament & Scottish Covenanters (E.g. Earl of Montrose led royalist forces, winning multiple victories 1644-45)
When did Civil War begin in Ireland?
With the outbreak of the Irish Rebellion in Oct 1641
How did Charles reinforce parliamentary propaganda of his desire to impose Catholicism?
Under Charles’ order, Ormond signed a cessation w/ the Irish Catholic Confederation in Sept 1643 - to aid royalist forces in English CW, but the troops had little impact on Charles’ war effort
How did Parliament’s reaction to Ormond’s cessation - a Solemn League and Covenant with the Scottish Covenanters in September 1643 - further hinder Charles’ war effort?
Forced Ormond to sign a peace w/ the Confederates - a rep of the Gaelic Irish then defeated Covenanters at Benburb in June, ending hopes of bringing more troops over from Ireland
What were the main weaknesses of the Royalists in the First Civil War?
Although there were a no. of victories in 1643, forces were not coordinated well due to divided nature of royal councils & Charles’ indecisiveness
Earl of Newcastle didn’t march his northern Royalist army to support London attack in Nov 1643, which could have brought royalist victory
What were the main strengths of the Parliamentarians in the First Civil War?
London Trained Bands forced the royal army back from the capital in 1643
The Solemn League and Covenant led to the Covenanters sending an army to fight on their side
The Committee of Both Kingdoms set up in 1644 to manage war & finances (greatest achievement was NMA)
Why did Charles surrender to Scottish forces on 5 May 1646?
The NMA had effectively defeated Royalist armies by 1646 (E.g. defeat at Naseby in June 1645 destroyed his military capabilities in England) - Charles surrendered to Scottish forces hoping for better settlement terms that Parliament would offer
How did the First Civil War end?
With the surrender of remaining Royalist forces at Oxford in June 1646
What were the Royalist weaknesses leading to their defeat in England?
Differing views in Royalist councils led to incoherent policy, because of lack of leadership from Charles & his failure to recognise or select best advice (E.g. Hyde advised continuing attempts at Parliamentary settlement, while Henriette Maria advocated for continuing war until victory was achieved)
Although he made himself commander-in-chief, Charles was a poor war leader, and this position merely meant he became more responsible for their defeat (indecisiveness in strategy, taking advantage of the experience of his officers & of support from aristocracy)
Charles’ willingness to use Catholic troop, and attempts to negotiate a peace treaty w/ Irish Catholic rebels in 1645, disturbed many of his supporters
What were the Parliamentary strengths leading to Royalist defeat in England?
Combined executive w/ representative authority & developed new methods for running the country w/o the king (E.g. the Committee of Both Kingdoms controlled finances to fund war efforts)
The NMA w/ regularly paid & strongly motivated (by their Puritan religion) professional soldiers
Advantages of holding London included: propaganda (London was the centre of printing) & access to financial resources (E.g. City loans)
