The first civil war 1642-46 Flashcards
What was support for Charles like in parliament?
Around 1/3rd of commons and 2/3rds of the lords supported him, he also had more support in the north of the country.
Describe the battle of Edgehill
Charles attempted to retake London, but found his way blocked at Edgehill by a parliamentary force under Essex. The battle that followed in October was indecisive, it left the way to London open. However, Charles decided to delay.
What was the consequence of Charles delaying after Edgehill?
It gave parliament a chance to build up London’s defenses, the Royalists only got as far as Turnham green where they were faced with a strong parliamentary force, declining to fight, they retreated to oxford.
Explain the initial royalist plan
To secure the north, west and Kent then attack London in a pincer movement. However, they failed to take Gloucester and Plymouth, making this impossible.
Give the two terms of the solemn league and covenant
Signed between parliament and the Scots in September 1643, parliament agreed to impose Presbyterianism as the state religion, in return the Scots would bring their armies into England to help parliament.
What were the consequences of the covenant?
Many radicals saw it as a betrayal of what they were fighting for, it created a major shift between parliament and the army, with the latter becoming increasingly religiously radical.
Describe Cromwell’s early role in the war
He organized the east Anglian eastern association, which would eventually become the new model army. He was deeply critical of Essex and Manchester’s seeming reluctance to impose an all out defeat on the king.
What was the background to Marsden moor?
In response to the Scots entering the war, Charles brought 10,000 troops from Ireland to swell the royalist ranks. The two sides met at Marsden moor in July 1644 with the 27,000 parliamentarians outnumbering the 18,000 royalists.
What happened at Marsden moor?
Cromwell showed his tactical skill as a cavalry commander by scattering the royalist units. It was a victory for parliament, but Essex and Manchester delayed instead of imposing a final defeat on the royalists.
Explain the consequences of Marsden moor
Parliament realized Cromwell was correct about Essex and Manchester. Less resolute commanders were forced to give up their commissions under the self denying ordinance and the whole army was to be based on the new model army.
Describe the self denying ordinance
April 1645, all serving officers were made to surrender their commissions and await reappointment, this allowed parliament to remove the less committed. Fairfax was put in charge of the army with Cromwell as second in command.
What was the new model army?
Formed in February 1645 they were a well trained, religiously motivated and organized force who would be crucial in the parliamentary victory.
What happened at Naseby?
June 1645, Cromwell once again showed the quality of his leadership. The royalists were outnumbered 2:1 and Rupert made a farther mistake by leaving the field to pursue fleeing parliamentarians, retuning to find that Cromwell had seized the initiative.
Describe the consequences of Naseby
The royalists never really recovered, it also led to the capture of a royalist baggage train which contained incriminating documents showing that charles was trying to get foreign support.
When did Charles surrender?
After loosing Oxford in may 1646, he moved to Newark and gave himself up to the Scots.
