THE ENGLISH CIVIL WAR Lesson Aim: To discover how and why Parliament defeated the King.

The Civil War

On 25 August 1642 Charles I raised his standard at Nottingham, signalling the start of the Civil War.

The Civil War On 25 August 1642 Charles I raised his standard at Nottingham, signalling the start of the Civil War. Ordinary people throughout the country now had to choose which side they were on: their King or their Parliament.

The Civil War Often the choice divided families: two brothers could join different armies, or fathers might fight against their sons.

The Civil War Often the choice divided families: two brothers could join different armies, or fathers might fight against their sons. However, in many cases, people simply joined the army that reached their city or town first.

For the King! The King had support from the nobles and gentry.

For the King! The King had support from the nobles and gentry. He also had support in Ireland, Wales, and in the North and West of England.

For Parliament! The Puritans fought on Parliament’s side. Parliament also had support from the richer areas of the country in South and Eastern England.

Why did Parliament win?

Although the whole country was at war, there were not very many important battles.

Why did Parliament win? Although the whole country was at war, there were not very many important battles. Most of the battles in 1642 and 1643 were either a draw or were won by the Royalists.

Why did Parliament win? Although the whole country was at war, there were not very many important battles. Most of the battles in 1642 and 1643 were either a draw or were won by the Royalists. But in 1644 and 1645, most battles were won by the Parliamentarians.

Why did Parliament win? Why did Parliament start doing so well?

Cromwell and the New Model Army

After the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644, an MP called Oliver Cromwell reorganised Parliament’s Army.

Cromwell and the New Model Army After the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644, an MP called Oliver Cromwell reorganised Parliament’s Army. This new army was called the ‘New Model Army’.

Cromwell and the New Model Army After the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644, an MP called Oliver Cromwell reorganised Parliament’s Army. This new army was called the ‘New Model Army’. It was commanded by Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell.

Cromwell and the New Model Army The soldiers in the New Model Army were regularly paid, provided with a uniform, and properly trained to fight.

Cromwell and the New Model Army The soldiers in the New Model Army were regularly paid, provided with a uniform, and properly trained to fight. This was a totally new idea at the time!

Cromwell and the New Model Army The soldiers in the New Model Army were regularly paid, provided with a uniform, and properly trained to fight. This was a totally new idea at the time! The New Model Army with its well-trained soldiers finally defeated Charles at the Battle of Naseby in 1645.

BIG QUESTION FOR PARLIAMENT: What should they do with the King?

Your Task It is 1645 and Parliament has just won the Civil War.

Your Task It is 1645 and Parliament has just won the Civil War. You are a member of Cromwell’s New Model Army, and are feeling happy and victorious.

Your Task It is 1645 and Parliament has just won the Civil War. You are a member of Cromwell’s New Model Army, and are feeling happy and victorious. Write a diary entry explaining the following:

Your Task Who supported the King, Who supported Parliament, When the war began, Cromwell and The New Model Army, How Parliament won.