search for a settlement Flashcards
why was it hard to reach a settlement
- Newcastle Propositions:
The Newcastle Propositions were a set of terms presented by the Parliamentary forces to King Charles I in July 1646. These included demands for Parliamentary control over the military, the abolition of episcopacy in the Church of England, and the establishment of Presbyterianism. Charles’ reluctance to agree to these terms made a settlement difficult.
-Scottish Presbyterianism:
The Scots, who were key allies of the Parliamentarians, were committed to establishing Presbyterianism in England. Their religious and political goals sometimes conflicted with those of the English Parliament and other factions, complicating negotiations.
-Levellers:
The Levellers were a radical political movement that advocated for extended suffrage, equality before the law, and religious tolerance. Their ideas were influential among some soldiers in the New Model Army but were considered too radical by more conservative Parliamentarians, leading to internal divisions.
-Parliament Peace and War Divide:
Within Parliament, there was a significant divide between the “Peace Party,” which wanted to negotiate a settlement with the King, and the “War Party,” which believed that only military victory could secure their goals. This internal conflict made it hard to present a united front in negotiations.
-The Army:
The New Model Army, which was a powerful and increasingly politicized force, had its own interests and grievances, including issues of pay and political influence. The Army’s leadership, including figures like Oliver Cromwell, sometimes pursued goals that conflicted with those of Parliament.
what were the newcastle propositions
charles had to agree to
-solemn league and covenant
-abolition of bishops
-religion set by parliament
-parliament control how to raise money
-parliament take control of the army
-who was not allowed to be the kings advisors
what was Charles’ response to the newcastle propositions
-presbytarian church in place
-supporters not prosecuted
-charles to control military
-20 years control over malitia by parliment put to 10 years
disbandment of the army
-1847 political presbytarians wanted to express their religion and disliked the radicals
-radicals wanted to disband the army
-Jan 1847 disbandment of army was passed
-soldiers wanted money and indeminity
-parliament rejected
-formed ‘decleration of dislike’ where any soldiers that felt this way were now enemies
-NMA disbanded and only 8 weeks of backpay was issued
-this angered the army
heads of proposals
-solemn engagement
king now kept at army HQ to prevent deals with parliament
5th june army agreed to the engagement meaning they wouldnt disband until they settle on payment
cromwell left london to join army expressing his support
-the representation
the army published this
corrupt MPs to be purged
parliament dissolved
new parliament every three years
church reformed
free religion
-the army now had power but were still seperated between radicals and moderates
-army decisions made by generals not the soldiers
-Aug 1647 Fairfax drew up settlement proposed by the king
every 2 years parliament gets voted in
malitia under control by parliament for 10 years
authority of bishops removed
royal family restored with no limits
-charles escaped Nov 11th to isle of white as he didnt agree with settlement because:
he knew about armies and parliments divisions and was going to exploit it
thought he could make agreements with the scots
radicalism
-reasons
major reasons was for religion
protestantism meant a personal relation to god and many interpretations arose
believed in free religion
small numbers but still worried conservatives
-levellers
emerged from campaigns in London 1644
argued for complete freedom
radicalism grew in the army
soldiers preached prayed and debated
economic equality and no private property
restoring land to rightful owners
-fifth monarchists
second coming of jesus was near
-ranters
they were going to heaven no matter what
-quakers
direct relation with god
dont need preists
read and study bible
second civil war
-kings support for war
people didnt like parliaments way of solving issues as there was still high tax and no settlements on the church and people liked monarchy as it brought order
-what did king fight for
scot army help to invade england
king would introduce presbytarianism for 3 years
interpendance to be suppresed
-kings mistake
split scots into two sides
weaker sided with charles (duke of hamilton)
stronger side didnt want to attack allies (leslie)
thought parliament presbytarians would support him
thought army would be forced into settlement due to kings large side
-vote of no addresses jan 1648
legislation saying no agreements between king and parliament
there was a rebellion in spring 1648
-newports negotiations
wanted charles to accept terms for the treaty of newport
army run out of patience
after vote of no addresses he had 40 days to decide
after 40 days they treid to reach a settlement (treaty of newport)
prides purge
-armies responce to treaty of newport
sept 1648 after 40 days charles thought army would compromise
army couldnt allow parliament to go against the cause
16th Nov henry ireton persuaded army general to do a formal protest called remonstrance
reached parliament on 20th Nov but they hoped fro last minute deal with charles to resolve issues
-prides purge
led by ireton
marched through london 2nd Dec
5 Dec house of commons voted to negotiate with charles
6 Dec MPs arrived at westminister 1000 NMA soldiers blocked them
86 scared and left
45 arrested
231 barred
remaining was the rump parliament
king refused a settlement so trial was made
1st Jan 1649 rump passed ordinance to bring charles to trial
2 days later house of lords rejected it
parliament ignored them and made a high court of justice of 135 comissioners
only 68 turned up
-reasons for prides purge
levellers wanted a settlement which was fairer for society
newport treaty would isolate army as they wouldnt have support meaning king would win in peace
collapse of inderpendance party meant armys interest wasnt valued in parliament
trial of king
so the commons could proceed with trial they gave themself supreme power of the nation in Jan 1649
the high court created by rump claimed to represent the will of the people
charles refused to recognise the court and didnt plead guilty
or innocent
Despite this, his fate was pre-determined. He was declared guilty and condemned to death by beheading. On 30th January 1649, the sentence was duly carried out.
execution of king
Cromwell did not publicly speak on the matter until December 1648. Moreover, he did not act as chief-instigator.
In eyes of the law once pronounced guilty he was already dead. As he left the courtroom tobacco smoke was blown into his face and he was spat at.
The majority of the people in Britain were shocked by the sacrilege that the execution of an anointed monarch represented.
After Charles’ execution, the next logical step was for the Rump to abolish both the monarchy and the Lords and create a Commonwealth (Republic). This was formally done
in May 1649.
Ultimately, the execution of King Charles I marked the culmination of ten years of political failure.
