Why was there a failure to achieve a settlement Flashcards
What were the 3 main reasons which meant there was a failure to achieve a settlement
- Charles’ refusal to make compromises
- Divisions within the army
- unrest in the counties
How did did the actions of Charles contribute to the failure to achieve a settlement
- Charles was aware of the growing divisions within his
opponents, he hoped that by playing a waiting game
these divisions would grow so great that power would
be handed back to him - Charles rejected the Newcastle propositions
presenting his own conditions, despite this it did show
he was willing to reach a deal, however only on his
terms - Charles continued to create problems for reaching a
settlement - Charles was reluctant to surrender control of the Militia
- He continued to see the loss of the first civil war as a
temporary set-back, whereas parliament for men such
as Cromwell it represented Gods verdict
How serious were divisions within the army in contributing to the failure to achieve a settlement
- The levellers emerged from the campaign for religious
toleration which had started in 1644 - The radical group was then formed arguing for
complete freedom of worship as a right - They accused parliament of tyranny and argued for
social and legal equality. - The growth of radicalism in the army was rapid,
soldiers were often preaching, praying and debating
among themselves - It made it harder for a settlement to be achieved, it
added to the attitude to the King and the demands
made by parliament - Charles saw it as a weakness and only meant he
furthered his waiting game - It provided a significant obstacle for parliament who
now had a new problem on top of Charles with radical
army members claiming the role in shaping the
government
How did unrest within the counties contribute to the failure to achieve a settlement
- Continued unrest in the counties only added to the
problems with achieving a settlement - The chaos from the civil war had shocked much of the
gentry, with the end of the civil war they expected the
situation to improve, this was simply not the case.
Religious anarchy, the County Committees and the
New Model army remained. - The County Committee were often staffed by men of
lower class than those who had traditionally run the
counties and their powers caused discontent. - The gentry were quickly beginning to support the
reinstatement of Charles in power, they wanted their
status. - This was a significant challenge for parliament, their
support from the ones with the most power was
dwindling
What were the newcastle propositions, July 1646
First move my parliament after the first civil war
-Proposed to Charles that in return for his safety
He must
-Agree to establish a Presbyterian church
-Give up parliament control of his armies
-Dismiss those ministers who ill advised him
Charles deliberately procrastinated believing that time was on his side, not giving a straight answer.
Give examples of the Charles’ refusal to compromise
- Newcastle propositions
- ‘Head of the Proposals’
What was the ‘Head of Proposals’ August 1647
Drafted by Henry Ireton, Cromwell’s son in law, and formally presented by the Council of the Army,
In return for restoring the royal families honour and freedom, the Council required the King’s acceptance of the following:
Parliament to be called every two years
Control of the army and navy to be in Parliaments hands
Bishops no longer to have authority in civil matters
- Charles again, did not give a clear response, it was
evident that he would accept neither side since they
both required his giving up authority over his own army - again - Charles’ was refusing to compromise
What were the three radical sects
Baptists - believers in adult baptism as an expression
- Cromwell protected Baptists from persecution on
numerous occasions
Independents - gathered churches, congregations of godly persons who came together to worship
Quakers - their rejection of all earthly authority and law
