The English Civil War 1641-1651 Part 2 - The actual war

Parliament Others wanted guarantees that the king would rule the country in accordance with law and tradition The Grand Remonstrance barely passed because of this split Charles learned that the radical members of Parliament wanted to take away most of his powers Believed that if he could arrest the radical leaders and punish them as traitors, he could regain control - 1637 –attempted to force the Scots to worship in the style of the Church of England – even though they were Presbyterians - 1640 – called the Parliament together because he needed to raise money to pay his soldiers – known as the Short Parliament - Parliament sides with the Scots and refuses to grant this money, so Charles closes it down after 3 weeks - Parliament determined that the king should never again have absolute power - But kings under Magna Carta also had “royal prerogative” and how far did this go? – known as the Grand Remonstrance

Parliament 2 In 1642 King Charles I takes 500 soldiers to the House of Commons and tries to arrest the leaders but they’d been tipped off and escaped Charles leaves Westminster for the north Queen Henrietta Maria takes the Crown Jewels to Europe to sell them to pay for an army War was now inevitable

Charles’ army (Royalists) Charles vs. Parliament Charles’ army (Royalists) Parliament’s army - Many of them came from noble families (money to pay for weapons) - Were local militia (citizens who are trained to act as soldiers in times of emergency) - Were used to fighting and riding on horses - Were farmers and townspeople - Were called ‘Royalists’ or ‘Cavaliers’ - Most of their army had almost no military experience - Included experienced commanders (good leaders) - Had control over the navy - Catholics / Church of England - Puritans

The Rump Parliament When the civil war had begun, many of the members of parliament who supported the king left parliament to fight with him Parliament was left in the hands of Presbyterians and Puritans They disagreed on many important matters Charles tried to play the two sides against each other When rebellions broke out in support of the king, the parliamentary army sent soldiers to drive out the 143 Presbyterian members of parliament

Presbyterians vs. Puritans - Wanted churches to be organized so that people worshipped the same everywhere - Wanted each church to run itself separately from the other churches - Didn’t care if Charles stayed as king, as long as he agreed to ‘limited’ powers Wanted to see the end of the monarchy (no more kings)

Civil War The king had the strongest support in the north of England Parliament’s support was strongest near London and in southeast England Families were often on opposite sides of the fight http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/English_civil_war_map_1642_to_1645.JPG

Main support for Charles Main support for Parliament

Civil War – Charles vs. Parliament Charles was successful at first He won many small battles Parliament made an alliance with Scotland (who was building a more modern army) The leader of this “New Model Army” was Oliver Cromwell, a puritan who sided with parliament

Charles vs. Parliament (and Cromwell’s Army) The New Model Army defeated the Royalists at two important battles Charles was forced to flee to Scotland He was made a prisoner He was handed over to parliament for £400 000

The Rump Parliament The parliament that was left (the Puritans) were called the “Rump Parliament” They charged the king with treason (being disloyal to your country) and with making war on his own people

The Trial of the King The parliament that was left (the Puritans) were called the “Rump Parliament” Charles’ trial was strange, difficult and lengthy They charged the king with treason and with making war on his own people

The End of King Charles I In the end, he was found guilty and was sentenced to death He was led onto a scaffold and executed Charles I was defeated in 1648 and executed in 1649 http://www.timetravel-britain.com/articles/1photos/Christmas/Charles.jpg An Eyewitness Representation of the Execution of Charles I of England, painted in 1649 by John Weesop

Following the Death of Charles I Monarchy abolished House of Lords abolished England now a Republic (Commonwealth) Rump Parliament small (60 members) Supported by Roundhead army Army would attack any non supporters of the Commonwealth

Oliver Cromwell Leader of army Tolerated all Protestants Hated Catholics Crushed Irish and Scottish Rebellions When Parliament refused to hold elections Marched troops into parliament Locked members out Took control of country himself Army named him “Lord Protector of a United England, Scotland, Ireland and the Colonies”

The Lord Protector Broke country into districts Each strictly ruled by a Major General Each responsible for Law & order, taxes Brought in Blue Laws Strict puritan laws Outlawed ‘pagan’ ceremonies (Christmas) No dancing, gambling, sports, theatre, news He was unpopular Controlled strong army Died 1658

CHARLES II Parliament reconvened in 1660 Charles II was invited to be king with limited powers Very popular decision Feudal dues abolished. King paid from taxes. Must respect the Magna Carta and Petition of Right. Charles II leaned towards the Catholic church. Parliament did not. Charles urged religious tolerance.