The defeat of Charles I, 1642-6 Flashcards
Charles’ personality
Root of his problems
Insecure
Believed any criticism was a direct attack on himself and his prerogative
Uncompromising
When did the Civil War begin?
22 August 1642
How did both sides build an army?
R - used local aristocrats with regional power
P - used legislative powers to create a tax-collecting bureaucracy which supported a professional standing army (eventually)
When and what was the Commissions of Array?
June 1642
Ordered local wealthy gentlemen to raise their counties’ forces for the King
How did the Royalists finance?
It was in the hands of local gentry and wealthy lords to finance their own troops
Once loyalty was pledged, loans and gifts poured into the King’s treasury
How did Parliament raise troops?
Militia Ordinance of March 1642
Who oversaw the army?
Committee of Safety
What was the importance of East Anglia to the Parliamentarians?
“Engine of victory” - Scarborough
Populous and wealthy area where taxes could be raised
What were the 5 reasons for the defeat of the Royalist cause?
Military failures Parliament's financial management London Local administration and communities Control of the navy
Military failures of the Royalists
Failed to take advantage of initial strength - indecisive
Defeated at Newbury (September 1643) and in Scotland
“Unable to provide the strong leadership” - Cust
Promotion on status e.g. Prince Rupert
Royalist councils had differing views and Charles never recognised the best advice
Use of Catholics in the army -117/603 officers were Catholic
Relied on foreign aid - correspondence with the French and the Pope lead to Parliament propaganda
Parliament’s financial management
Combined executive with representative authority
Developed methods of running things without a king - control of finance etc
This meant P could fund its war effort
What was the Solemn League and Covenant?
In return for the establishment of Presbyterianism in England, the Scots sent 21,000 men to aid Parliament
A religious and military alliance
London
Under parliament control Centre of printing - propaganda Financially strong Manpower - home to 1/10 of the population England's largest port Chief industrial centre Established centre of administration
Control of the navy
Supply forces and strongholds
Hamper the supply of royalist areas - couldn’t get supplies or men from the continent or Ireland
Position of Charles I in 1646
Defeated militarily
Sought to play on the divisions of the English Parliament, the Scots and the New Model Army
Realised, as king, he was regarded as essential to a lasting settlement
