The First Civil War (1642 - 1646) Flashcards
When does the First Civil War start and end?
August 1642 - June 1646
What three parts were the Political Nation, and where did most lean?
Political Nation was split into three (royalists, parliamentarians and neutrals)
- Most leaned towards the royalists or stayed neutral, deploring the conflict and seeking peace (however, parliamentarians had significant popular support amongst the ‘middling sort’, i.e. traders, artisans and apprentices of London)
Where did Parliament hold the advantage?
Parliament had the advantage of London, which had 10% of the country’s population, was wealthy, and was the home of trade.
> Parliament also held the Navy, and Scottish Presbyterians were willing to help.
Who did the Parliamentarians include for military leaders?
Parliamentarians included the Earl of Essex and Manchester (ineffectual military leaders who resign in April 1645 following the SDO) and Cromwell (Purtain, created the disciplined and meritocratic NMA, ignoring the SDO)
Why did the Civil War bring chaos?
The existing social and political hierarchy broke down
- Power had been slipping; the divisions were rooted in the war itself, and arose from the different attitudes to the struggle of many.
When was the Battle of Edgehill, and what happened?
October 1642 - Battle of Edgehill
- No clear victor emerged
What negotiations did the Battle of Edgehill lead to?
Oxford Treaty negotiations (February-April 1643)
What happened in the Oxford Treaty negotiations (February-April 1643)?
Collapsed in April 1643, with no meaningful results.
What two parties did Parliament split into?
Peace Party and War Party
What did the Peace Party argue for?
Those who backed down from seriously taking on the King during the war
> Had many aristocratic members; led by MP Holles (one of the 1642 ‘Five Member’s’)
> Argued for a limited war, aiming to win it as quickly as possible through negotiation; winning a few victories to get the King to make a settlement.
> Wanted to make the King realise he was in a position of weakness, allowing for a settlement.
What was the Solemn League and Covenant, and when was it signed?
Signed in 1643 between the English Parliament and the Scottish Covenanters.
- Scots promised to send an army (of 21,000 soldiers) to aid Parliament, and in return, Parliament pledged to work towards establishing Presbyterianism in England, Scotland and Ireland
> It was both a military and religious alliance.
What was the impact of the Solemn League and Covenant on the war?
The Scots sent a 21,000-strong army that helped in key battles such as Marston Moor (1644), which was a turning point in Parliament’s favour.
What was the short-term and long-term impact of the Solemn League and Covenant?
Not all English MPs supported full Presbyterianism.
> The Independent faction, including leaders like Oliver Cromwell, opposed religious uniformity, leading to future divisions within Parliament.
Ultimately, Parliament did not fully implement Presbyterianism, which alienated the Scots later on.
> Helped lead to the Second Civil War (1648), as the Scots later allied with Charles I (Engagement, 1647) when they felt betrayed.
What did the War Party argue for?
Aimed to inflict decisive defeats on the King and force him to accept their terms
> Aimed to capture him and renounce his powers; included Vane, Haselrig and Cromwell
> Wanted to fight the war as ‘effectively’ and as ‘thoroughly’ as possible
Which party, out of Peace and War, was more important in determining the outcome of the English Civil War?
War Party
> While the Peace Party played a significant role in pushing for negotiations and limiting the war’s scope, it was the War Party’s commitment to decisive military action that ensured victory for Parliament and shaped the future political settlement.
What did the Peace Party underestimate?
Peace Party underestimated Charles I’s unwillingness to compromise. Even when Parliament appeared to have the upper hand, Charles repeatedly refused reasonable settlements.
> The Peace Party’s preference for limited conflict and negotiation meant they failed to capitalise on early military successes, prolonging the war unnecessarily.
What happened at Battle of Marston Moor and when was it?
Battle of Marston Moor - July 1644
- A significant victory, turning the tide of the war in favour of Parliament, and firmly establishing Cromwell’s reputation.
Cromwell and his allies changed the way the military was organised.
What was the Self-Denying Ordinance, and when was it passed?
Self-Denying Ordinance (April 1645)
- Anybody who sat in the Commons or Lords had to resign their army posts; Parliament could get rid of existing commanders and keep those who were effective, ending the power of the Earls of Essex and Manchester.
Who remained exempt from the Self Denying Ordinance?
Cromwell remained exempt as his military skills were regarded as indispensable; the Ordinance prepared the way for the New Model Army.
What type of army did Parliament create?
Parliament created a modern army, made up of Puritan volunteers committed to the cause, driven by their religious convictions, and were hard working.
> Cromwell had created a disciplined force from volunteers motivated by political and religious enthusiasm committed to total victory,
What were promotions based on in the New Model Army?
Promotions were made not just on the basis of military skill (meritocracy), but also on their godliness.
What did many see the formation of the NMA as?
An attack on social hierarchy from a social and religious perspective.
> The concept of Providence radicalised the NMA even further.
Who was appointed Lord General of the NMA?
Fairfax
When was the Battle of Naseby, and what happened?
Battle of Naseby - June 1645
The main army of Charles was destroyed by the New Model Army commanded by Fairfax and Cromwell, inflicting a decisive defeat.
