The English Civil War Flashcards
Causes of the civil war?
Charles I spends large amounts of money of himself.
Charles closed parliament and declined to rule by himself. However, he needs money and parliament control taxes.
Charles needed money so he created his own tax called ‘ship money’.
Those who did not pay were put in jail.
Like James, Charles believed that kings get their power from god and therefore must be obeyed. This is known as “the divine right of kings”
Charles made William laud the Archbishop of Canterbury, laud does not like puritans, many of which make up the MPs in parliament.
Charles 1 is married to Henrietta, a catholic. Many feared catholics will take over.
Laud changes the Church of England services. He introduces the statutes music and candles that puritans hate. Puritans are concerned that the Church of England is too like the Roman Catholic Church.
Laud out laws many puritans services and land into conflict with Scottish church. Many Scots are puritans.
Summarise the English civil war.
In 1625, just after he became king, Charles married Henrietta Maria (catholic). People were worried that Charles might bring back Catholicism and any children of the marriage would be brought up catholic.
Charles I was the son of James-he believed in divine right of kings he saw it as god had chosen him. Charles wanted control of the country so bad that he became unpopular especially with parliament. In 1629 he suspended parliament and would rule alone for the next II years.
In 1633 Charles appointed William laud of Archbishop of Canterbury. He and Charles decided that Charles should be decorated once again and in 1637 introduced a new English prayer book, the puritans thought that Charles was trying to make the church catholic again.
Why did parliament win?
Parliament had Scotland’s support. The Scots sent 20,000 to fight Charles’ army and helped parliament defeat the royalists at the battle of Marston Moor. This victory helped parliament seize control of royalists in Northern Ireland. Oliver cromwell was an important general for parliament. He always thought out his tactics, hardly ever made mistakes, made sure his soldiers were disciplined and committed to carry out orders. After Parliament lost the battle of Newbury in 1644 it created NEW MODEL ARMY soldiers were well trained, disciplined and equipped. There was also the new model army calvary which gave it an advantage. Parliament controlled London and the riches areas of England. It could afford a long war. This meant it could collect a lot of tax to pay for weapons etc and pay soldiers more regularly, soldiers were keen to fight and didn’t desert the army.
What were the royalist weaknesses?
King Charles believed that he would win because god was on his side and that other monarchs from Europe would send soldiers, weapons and money to help. Unfortunately for Charles they didn’t Charles had very few allies. At the battle of nasebay in June 1645. The royalists were crushed by the new model army resulting in some Charles best fighters killed. After the battle of Preston, the royalists were completely defeated. King Charles was convinced that he’d win because he had supporters by other countries, him and his supporters soon ran out of money as the war went on, as they controlled the sooner areas eg wales and north England.
Explain the new model army
The new model army of England was formed in 1645 by the parliamentarians in the English civil war and was disbaned in 1660 after the restoration. Many of its common soldiers therefore held dissenting or racial views unique among English armies.
It was formed as a result of dissatisfaction among parliamentarians with the conduct of the civil war in 1644.
It consisted of 22 thousand soldiers
It was formed in 1645 by parliamentarians
The new model army was raised partly from among veteran soldiers.
It ended in 1660
The commander chief were Thomas Fairfax and George Monck.
The notable commanders were Oliver Cromwell, Thomas pride, John lambery, Henry lfeton and William lockbark.
The new model army was created in February 1645 by parliament as it felt that a professional army would be more successful against the kings army.
Consequences of the war
After Charles’ execution, England because a republic called the commonwealth of England which was the main political effect.A committee of parliament ruled the country.
During the English civil war, which lasted 9 years, a high number of people died, a huge number of people died and the English government was changed forever. It was the start of the monarchy, the king and the queen, and the beginning of power for parliament, their elected government.
Why should the king be put to death?
I think the good should have been put to death for many reasons, the first reason is that I think that him being able to rule over all of England was possessive and unfair. Secondly he started both wars which means he was an aggressive man. Thirdly he fought against the parliament and his own supporters and people in order to get his own way, this only resulted in them hating him. This drove most of England and parliament against him. Finally Charles was still around there would be more chance of war and conflict. Many say about England not surviving without the king but the king started the conflict.
Who was involved in the civil war and what were the key events?
Royalists- cavaliers
The Church of England as well as many Roman Catholics. Many supporters were from the nobility. Areas of support included north and west England, Wales some country areas and many in Ireland.
Parliamentarians-Roundheads
Puritans and Scottish Presbyterians merchants. Many members of Parliament. Areas of support included south and east England, London and other larger towns and ports.
