Politicalisation of the Army Flashcards
Why did the army become politicised?
- Revisionists emphasise importance of material concerns such as pay
- As a result of parliaments mistakes
- A separate radical agenda that developed because of the wars
Timeline of events leading to the politicisation of the army
1647
SPRING - Parliament try to disband army APRIL - Agitators elected 2ND JUNE - Charles is seized 5TH JUNE - Solemn Engagement of the Army 14TH JUNE - Declaration of the Army JULY - Heads of Proposals OCTOBER - Case of the Army Truly Stated
Parliament try to disband army
SPRING - Parliament try to disband army
The soldiers responded with the New Model Army petition, which represented the beginning of army independence
Agitators elected
APRIL - Agitators are elected
Agitators elected to speak to officers on behalf of the regiments. Had a long list of demands including the reform of the army, law and religion, which is arguably the first step towards politicisation
The King is seized
2ND JUNE - The King is seized
George Joyce and his men seize the King form parliamentary control at Holdenby House, which is very political as they take control of the situation
Solemn Engagement of the Army
5TH JUNE - Solemn Engagement of the Army
At a rendezvous called by Fairfax, the army promised not to disband under parliaments orders until their grievances were addressed - more official as they make their demands clear
The Declaration of the Army
14TH JUNE - Declaration of the Army
Declared that they were fighting for the rights of the people, and that parliament should be purged of conservative MPs
The Heads of Proposals
A peace deal offered to the King, as they become directly involved in political negotiations
The Case of the Army Truly Stated
OCTOBER 1647 - the Case of the Army Truly Stated
Published by levellers - pointed out how long they had waited for their grievances to be addressed, and that power lay with the people
