The English Civil War 1642 - 1649

Learning Intention To understand why the English civil War started in 1642. To be able to describe the main events before, during and after the Civil War To explain the impact the English Civil War had on Britain's history

Background (Long term causes) The Civil War didn’t have just one cause and it’s origins lay as far back as the death of Elizabeth I Let’s test some of your knowledge. Quickly write down the answers to the following questions: Who became King after Elizabeth I died? What major event took place during his reign that we still commemorate today on 5th November? What year did the English Civil War start? Who won?

We can divide the Long Term Causes into 3 main areas: Charles I’s belief in the Divine Right of Kings Religious Problems Political Problems

The Divine Right of Kings The belief that Kings were chosen by God Charles strongly believed in this idea (as had his father, James I) Parliament wanted more of a say in how the country was run and thought the King should consult them on more than simply raising taxes Charles believed he could rule the country and didn’t need to consult others

Activity In your groups, complete the activity on your worksheet. Fill in the boxes with reasons why Charles and some people disagreed over the Divine Right of Kings

Religious Problems 5. What Religion was England under James and Charles? Charles married Henrietta Maria, a French Catholic Princess and allowed her to attend Catholic masses Charles was in fact a devout Anglican but he did like some aspects of the Catholic services – pictures, music, statues, colourful priests robes Many Anglicans, especially the Puritans, wanted simple churches and services 6. Why did some people suspect Charles was a secret Catholic?

Religious Problems 1633 – Charles appoints WILLIAM LAUD as Archbishop of Canterbury Laud changed services, robes, church decoration, etc 1637 – Charles & Laud tried to impose the English prayer book on the Scottish presbyterians – Riots followed and led to a full-scale rebellion

Activity On you sheet, make a list of the Religious issues that lead up to the civil war.

Political Problems Charles quarrelled with Parliament right from the start 1629 – Charles dismissed Parliament and ruled without them for 11 years Charles was viewed as a tyrant by Parliament during this period because: Used Court of Star Chamber to punish his opponents Wanted earl of Strafford to use the army against any opposition Raised taxes without Parliament’s permission Refused to help the Protestants fighting the Catholic monarchs of Europe Used Laud and the bishops to rule the country

Political Problems 1640 – Charles was forced to recall Parliament – needed money to fight the rebellion in Scotland Charles forced to have Strafford executed, laud imprisoned and the Court of Star Chamber abolished Oct 1641 – Irish Rebellion. Parliament feared any army raised to fight it would be used against Parliament. Called for control of the army. Jan 1642 – Charles tries to arrest 5 MP’s Riots broke out in London and Charles forced to flee to Nottingham

Activity On your timeline, write in the most important political events leading up to the civil war. If you had been one of King Charles’ advisors, what advice would have given him in dealing with parliament?

7. What does this picture show? 8. How can you tell? 9. Who can you see in the picture?

ROYALISTS & PARLIAMENTARIANS CAVALIERS & ROUNDHEADS War breaks out! The King and Parliament began to assemble their armies. The two sides became known as: ROYALISTS & PARLIAMENTARIANS or CAVALIERS & ROUNDHEADS Royalists: Church of England & Catholics Nobles & country gentlemen The North and West of England & Wales Country Areas Parliamentarians: Merchants & businessmen Puritans The South & East of England London, larger towns and ports

Activity On your sheet, fill in the supporters for each side. 10. Which side do you think will have the most money to buy weapons and pay soldiers? Why?

The Battle of Edgehill In October 1642, the first battle of the civil war took place at EDGEHILL, in Warwickshire The result was a draw as neither side was strong enough to defeat the other. The war dragged on for 3 years

Battle of the Civil War Using the textbook, the internet and any other resources, make notes on the following battles: Edgehill, 1642 Marston Moor, 1644 Naesby, 1645 Include maps, details of the armies, the events of the battle and its results