English Civil War - Organisation Flashcards
What was Solemn League and Covenant between Parl and Scots? (Alliance)
August 1643 - Solemn League and Covenant signed. Alliance had with 22,000 Scots for Presbyterian Church. Committee of Both Kingdoms cemented alliance. Jan 1644 Alexander Leslie crossed border and defeated Irish at Nantwich. Newcastle’s forces besieged at York, June, leading to battle of Marston Moor.
What was Cessation Treaty? (Alliance)
Charles signed Cessation Treaty Sept 1643.. There were rumours that he would introduce Irish Catholic soldiers as he was in correspondence with Earl of Digby and Irish federation. Rumours that Charles would support Catholics in Lords and make Catholicism official religion.
What was the Peace Party? (undermined Parl)
Peace Party aimed to end war with Denzil Holles a key member. Claimed Parliament threatened liberty and Scottish alliance would provoke Charles.
What was the War Party? (undermined Parl)
War Party aimed to negotiate over position of power. Key members: Saye and Sele, Hampden, Lord Brooke, John Pym. Argued that Scots were needed to win war and Earl of Essex doing best in circumstances.
What was the Radical Party? (undermined Parl)
Radical Party wanted permanent constitutional change. Key members were Sir Henry Marten and Sir Arthur Haselrig. Claimed Charles would never negotiate in good faith and Essex needed replacement with a more vigorous commander.
How did Pym contribute to war? (organising)
Pym was a leading figure of the Committee of Safety. In July 1642 set this to coordinate military and dealt with divides between War and Peace parties. Promoted settlement with royalists. Set assessments (land), excise duties, and sequestration of royalist estates. Organised regional and central committees and set Solemn League and Covenant.
When was Oxford Parl set? (organising)
Royalists set Oxford Parliament in 1644 to gain legitimacy to raise tax. Gained support of 175 MPs and 82 Peers from Parl.
How did Presbyterians and Independents cause trouble? (Parliament difficulty)
After deaths of Pym and Hampden Parliament polarised. Independents were from war party and disliked Scots, convinced they alone could win war. Presbyterians, early peace party, felt Scots could help. In 1644 Assembly of Divines met at Westminster and 5 members appealed for religious toleration delaying Directory of Worship until 1646.
How did Essex fail? (motivation for self-denying ordinance)
Earl of Essex wanted to relieve Plymouth in 1644, went to Cornwall stronghold. Sir Ralph Hopton parted forces and closed him in leading to defeat at Lostwithiel. 6000 men surrendered and only 600 returned.
What inspired Self Denying Ordinance?
Motivations: Cromwell rose in power and was condemned by Scots for promoting Independents first. Cromwell disliked loss of religious freedom. At Second Battle of Newbury Earl of Manchester of Eastern Regiment with 17,500 Parliament forces lost against 9000 royalists, Oct 1644. Cromwell wanted appointments on experience not being noble.
What was the Self Denying Ordinance?
9 Oct 1644 - passed by Cromwell in Commons and Saye and Sele in Lords. Put military commanders under centralised command with MPs unable to lead. Lord General Sir Thomas Fairfax appointed Cromwell Lieutenant-General of Horse
When was the NMA set?
NMA was formed under Essex, Manchester, and Sir William Waller. 22,000 in forces, 14,400 infantry under MG Philip Skippon, 6600 cavalry, and 1000 dragoons. £53,000 raised by monthly assessment with New Model Army set on 4 April 1645. Did so well due to good discipline and training.
