The Second Civil War (1647 - 1648) Flashcards
When did the Second Civil War start and end?
February-August 1648
When did Charles escape from Parliament and the Army, where did he flee to, and what were his plans?
Charles escaped in November 1647 after the Putney Debates, fleeing to the Isle of Wight and calculating that he could defeat the NMA with a military force - he turned to the Scots.
What was signed by Charles in December 1647?
‘The Engagement’
What was ‘The Engagement’?
Scots undertook to invade England on Charles’ behalf and restore him to the throne, on the condition that Presbyterianism be established in England for three years (trial run)
Why did Scotland agree to ‘The Engagement’?
Scotland fought with the King in 1648 as they:
- Feared the anti-Presbyterian religious policies of the Independents and the NMA
- Saw a chance to advance the Presbyterian party in Parliament, and to defeat the Independents.
Why was ‘The Engagement’ unusual for Charles?
Charles undertook an unusually radical decision, as it was precisely the issue he had gone to war against previously (Bishops’ Wars)
What did Parliament present Charles with in December 1647?
Parliament presented Charles with the ‘Four Bills’ in December 1647
What did the ‘Four Bills’ request for?
Firm Parliamentary control of the military
Strict curtailing of monarchical power
Imposition of a reformed political order.
How did Charles respond to the ‘Four Bills’, and why?
Charles declined, confident the Engagement would restore his power.
What did Charles’ rejection of the ‘Four Bills’ reflect about Charles’ negotiations since the end of the FCW?
This demonstrated that Charles had not been taking the negotiations with Parliament and the NMA seriously since the end of the FCW, given his ultimate aim was to fully restore power, and that he was willing to use military force to do so.
Where else did Charles attempt to gain military support from, and what was the result of this?
Charles also tried to bring in the catholics of the Irish Confederation into his anti-Parliamentary alliance (negligible impact due to Parliamentary control of the navy)
What were the causes of the Second Civil War, in terms of Scotland’s involvement?
Scotland’s main threat had become the Independents; they believed the best way to defend Scottish Presbyterianism was to ally with the King, who was willing to give Presbyterianism a three-year ‘trial run’ in England.
What were the causes of the Second Civil War, in terms of Charles’ exploiting parliamentary divisions?
- Charles was fully appreciative of the divisions between his opponents
> Charles’ duplicitous behaviour; he thought that the Presbyterians hatred of the Independents could be so bitter that it would give him the support needed to defeat the Independent NMA
What were the causes of the Second Civil War, in terms of Charles exploiting army divisions?
Charles also believed the NMA could be defeated as its unity was weakened by the Levellers (Agreement of the People, Putney Debates)
What were the causes of the Second Civil War, in terms of Royalist support?
Failure to reach a settlement and the continued mobilisation of the Army generated support for Royalism
What were the causes of the Second Civil War, in terms of Parliamentary support?
Heavy taxation (esp. excise tax) were deeply unpopular; led to major rebellions, eroding loyalty to Parliament
What were the causes of the Second Civil War, in terms of Charles’ beliefs?
Charles’ relentless belief in the DRoK meant he would never accept a compromise, negating a peaceful settlement being able to be reached.
Why could it be argued that it was Charles’ fault for the Second Civil War?
Charles did not wish to accept the outcomes of the war, refusing to settle peacefully and playing for time while he secretly plotted.
Why could it be argued that it was Parliament’s fault for the Second Civil War?
Parliament failed to address some of their problems after the FCW (divided into two hostile camps)
Why could it be argued that it was the Army’s fault for the Second Civil War?
The rank and file of the NMA had been profoundly radicalised (by war and the Levellers), and there were signs of a split between them and the NMA.
What did Parliament pass in response to Charles rejecting the ‘Four Bills’, and when?
Vote of No Addresses - January 1648
- No further negotiations or addresses should be made to Charles I.
> Parliament would no longer consider any peace talks with the King, effectively ending the possibility of a negotiated settlement between the monarchy and Parliament.
What did the Royalists attempt to encourage following the start of the Second Civil War in May 1648?
Attempted to encourage simultaneous invasions and uprisings, believing that with the NMA overstretched, they could win.
Where did Royalist uprisings emerge across the country?
- A number of royalist uprisings in Kent, Essex, and Wales; parts of the Navy mutinied and a squadron of warships defected to Charles
What was the problem with Royalist uprisings in the Second Civil War?
The invasions were poorly coordinated; the NMA were able to mobilise and suppress the insurrections before dealing with the Scots.
