Early Modern Period Case Studies

Question 1

Battle of Naseby background

Answer 1

New Model Army recently created by Cromwell
Royalists keen to prevent parliament joining with scots
Met at Naseby (near Leicester)

Question 2

Battle of Naseby Royalist Army

Answer 2

Size: 12,500
Composition: 6,700 cavalry , 5,800 infantry
Leadership: Charles I (command) , Prince Rupert

Question 3

Battle of Naseby Parliament army

Answer 3

Size: 17,000
Composition: 8,500 cavalry , 8,500 infantry
Leadership: Fairfax(command) , Cromwell

Question 4

(Reasons for Parliament’s victory at Naseby) Fairfax made good use of terrain

Answer 4

-Broad moor, open common land, was ideal for cavalry
-west flank protected by a hedge row, east flank protected by ground that was hard to cross
-kept his men behind a ridge, out of enemy sight, to help morale
-high position (tactical advantage) as Prince Rupert was reluctant to face muskets and artillery head-on

Question 5

(Reasons for Parliament’s victory at Naseby) Fairfax was an inspiraitional general who…

Answer 5

…fought alongside his men. He led the infantry in the counter attack at the centre, gaining a vital advantage.

Question 6

(Reasons for Parliament’s victory at Naseby) Cromwell’s military beliefs

Answer 6

Cromwell believed that New Model Army officers should be the best soldiers. He recruited and trained the best cavalry in the war.

Question 7

(Reasons for Parliament’s victory at Naseby) Charles and Rupert underestimated the enemy

Answer 7

They didn’t want to wait for reinforcements, despite being outnembered, in hopes of an easy victory.

Question 8

(Reasons for Parliament’s victory at Naseby) Rupert’s cavalry

Answer 8

Rupert couldn’t control his cavalry and they plundered the artillery train, wasting the advantage they had in the west.