Document: The Second Civil War and the Execution of Charles I 1648-49

Question 1

When did Parliament stop negotiating with Charles?

Answer 1

January 1648

They passed the ‘No Further Addresses’ Bill

Question 2

During April-July 1648, where did royalist uprisings take place?

Answer 2

Wales, London, Norwich, Essex and Kent

Question 3

Why did Charles achieve such popular support at the start of the Second Civil War?

Answer 3

Due to high taxes imposed by Parliament, as well as the army bypassing the Rule of Law

Question 4

When did the Scottish army finally invade England and why did they fail?

Answer 4

July 1648

The Scots were slow to raise their forces, meaning the New Model Army was able to mobilise

Question 5

Why did the royalist uprisings fail?

Answer 5

Scottish army was too slow in its invasion

Lack of coordination mean the New model Army was able to crush each revolt individually

Question 6

Which battle marked the end of the Second Civil War?

Answer 6

Battle of Preston August 1648

18,000 Royalist troops were crushed by only 9,000 New Model Army soldiers

Question 7

When and what was the Army Remonstrance?

Answer 7

November 1648
this was the army’s manifesto regarding Charles, and it stated that he should be tried as an enemy of the people, and Fairfax and Ireton helped to write it

Question 8

When did Charles sign the Treaty of Newport?

Answer 8

November 1648
Charles seemed to be making large concessions, but he sent secret instructions to his Irish allies telling them to ignore any settlement, showing he was prepared to fight a Third Civil War

Question 9

When and what was Pride’s Purge?

Answer 9

6th December 1648
Army radicals barred the entrance to Parliament with a list of MPs to be arrested or turned away, leaving the pro-army ‘Rump’ parliament in charge

Question 10

When did Charles’ trial begin?

Answer 10

20th January 1649

Question 11

Why was Charles so effective at defending himself?

Answer 11

He stated that he did not recognise the authority of the High Court

Question 12

What was Charles found guilty of and when?

Answer 12

27th January 1649

Subverting the fundamental laws and liberties of the nation and maliciously making war

Question 13

When was Charles executed and what were the consequences of this?

Answer 13

30th January 1649

1. Charles became a martyr in the eyes of the people
2. A council of State was appointed to rule (13th Feb.)
3. The monarchy was abolished (17th March)
4. The House of Lords was abolished (19th March)