Royalism in Ireland Flashcards
What was the context of the Third Civil War (1649–1651)?
The Third Civil War was a phase of the broader English Civil Wars, characterised by Charles II’s efforts to regain the throne after the execution of Charles I in 1649. Ireland served as a base for Royalist activities and a potential launching point for invasions of England.
Who was the Marquis of Ormond, and what was his role during the Third Civil War?
The Marquis of Ormond was a key diplomat and military leader who represented the interests of Charles I and later Charles II. He was pivotal in uniting disparate factions in Ireland under the Stuart cause and negotiated key settlements with Irish Catholics.
What were the two key settlements negotiated by the Marquis of Ormond?
- First Ormond Agreement (1646): Attempted a settlement with moderate Confederate Catholics but was rejected by a faction led by the papal nuncio.
- Second Ormond Agreement (1649): Successfully united Catholics and Protestants under Royalism.
What were the key terms of the Second Ormond Agreement (1649)?
- Religious Equality: Catholics and Protestants to have equal standing until further discussions with the king, and guaranteed freedom of worship.
- Political Equality: Catholics allowed to hold military and political office, lifting previous bans.
- Administrative Restructuring: Confederate government dissolved, governance transferred to 12 Commissioners, and all factions placed under Ormond’s leadership.
- Military Unification: Irish-Royalist army restructured under Ormond as commander.
What was the significance of the Second Ormond Agreement?
The agreement created a coalition of Confederate Catholics and Protestant Royalists loyal to Charles Stuart, symbolising a fragile yet powerful alliance. It demonstrated Ormond’s pragmatism and ability to bridge religious and political divides, though its longevity was precarious.
Why was Ireland strategically important during the Third Civil War?
Ireland’s geographic position made it a potential launch point for a Royalist invasion of England. Ormond’s connections with Prince Charles and the French court heightened the threat perception of the Rump Parliament.
What was the Rump Parliament’s response to the Irish Royalist movement?
The Rump Parliament viewed Ireland as a security threat due to resurgent Royalism and assigned Oliver Cromwell command to suppress the Irish Royalist movement through a brutal military campaign in 1649.
What were the challenges and fragility of Ormond’s coalition?
- Ormond warned Prince Charles about the fragility of the alliance, noting that further concessions to Catholics might alienate Protestant supporters.
- He emphasised that the Royalist cause required Protestant support to succeed in Ireland, England, and Scotland
What did Ormond caution Prince Charles about in relation to the coalition?
Ormond cautioned that further concessions to Catholics could “loose the hearts of the Protestants,” without whom the Royalist cause in Ireland, England, and Scotland could not succeed.
What were the long-lasting consequences of Cromwell’s campaign in Ireland?
Cromwell’s campaign was brutal and had severe consequences, particularly for Catholic Ireland. It was part of a broader strategy to eliminate Royalist threats and secure Parliamentary dominance.
Who were the Confederate Catholics, and what was their significance?
The Confederate Catholics were an Irish Catholic faction initially opposed to Protestant dominance and English Parliamentary control, playing a central role in Royalist coalitions.
Who were the Old English, and what was their role during the Third Civil War?
The Old English were descendants of medieval English settlers in Ireland, often Catholic, who acted as mediators between different factions in the Royalist coalition.
What was the role of the Ulster Scots in Ormond’s coalition?
The Ulster Scots were Protestant settlers in Ireland with a distinct identity. Their inclusion in Ormond’s coalition was crucial for uniting factions under Royalism.
How did the papal nuncio influence Irish Catholic policies during the Third Civil War?
The papal nuncio represented the Pope in Ireland and influenced Irish Catholic policies, particularly by opposing the First Ormond Agreement in 1646.
How do historical interpretations view the coalition under Ormond?
- Coalition Fragility: The coalition was a marriage of convenience with deep-rooted divisions.
- Strategic Miscalculations: Ormond’s focus on religious equality may have overestimated Catholic support while alienating Protestants.
- Role of Cromwell: Cromwell’s campaign aimed to eliminate Royalist threats and ensure Parliamentary dominance
