Charles I's Reign - The First Civil War (1642-46)

What was the Solemn League and Covenant?

An agreement between English Parliament and Scottish Covenanters that provided a military alliance. This was arranged by Pym.

When was the Solemn League and Covenanter formed?

Autumn 1643.

How did some respond to the Solemn League and Covenant?

It alienated some Scottish nobles to the point that they came to the support of Charles. Earl of Montrose led royalist forces north of the border against the Covenanters, and although his army won multiple victories between 1644 and 1645, yet this was not significant holistically. Montrose’s remaining forces were defeated on their way home at Philiphaugh in September 1645.

What happened in Ireland at the time?

Civil war essentially began as a result of the Irish rebellion in October 1641. There was a significant divide between Gaelic Irish and Old English who formed a confederation in May 1642 and Ulster and Dublin Protestants who were commanded by the Earl of Ormond.

What happened in September 1643 that impacted the civil war in Ireland?

Under orders from Charles, Ormond signed a cessation (one year truce) with the Catholic Confederation. As a result, approximately 20,000 Irish troops (both Catholic and Protestant) were transported to England between October 1643 and June 1644 to aid Charles’ royalist troops.

What impact did Irish forces have on Charles’ war effort?

Very little. They proved counterproductive in seeming to reinforce parliamentary propaganda of their desire to impose Catholicism. Overall, Irish involvement was unsuccessful.

How successful was Charles I and his royal army?

Although there were a number of Royalist victories in 1643, Charles and his supporters did not coordinate their forces well, partly due to the divided nature of royal councils and Charles’ indecisiveness.

How successful were Parliament’s London Trained Bands?

Band volunteers defended the capital in November 1643 and forced the royal army back. This can be seen as a turning point in the war, as arguably Parliament’s control of London won them the First Civil War.

How successful was the Royalist’s Council of War in Oxford?

It was an effective administrative organisation in the early years of the war.

How successful was the parliamentarian Solemn League and Covenant?

This military, religious and political alliance between Parliament and Scottish Covenanters formed in 1643 led to the Covenanters sending an army south to fight on Parliament’s side.

How successful was the royalist’s Earl of Newcastle?

Newcastle didn’t march his northern Royalist army to support the London attack in November 1643, which otherwise could have brought a Royalist victory.

How successful was the parliamentarian’s Committee of Both Kingdoms?

Set up by Parliament with Scottish Covenanters in 1644 after the alliance above to manage civil war and finances, it’s greatest achievement was creating and maintaining the New Model Army.

How successful was the royalist’s involvement of Prince Rupert?

He joined Newcastle’s forces at Marston Moor in July 1644; this battle ended in a major royal defeat.

How successful was parliament’s involvement of General Thomas Fairfax and his northern parliamentarian forces?

Fairfax joined with the Eastern Association (parliamentarian army in the East) and the Scots at Marston Moor.

What were some Royalist strengths?

• Led by the recognised lawful leader

• More support from aristocracy and higher gentry who had financial reserves and military experience

• Focused strategic objective: the taking of London

• Military aid from abroad, notably from Charles’ nephews Prince Rupert and Maurice

What were some Royalist weaknesses?

• Areas under Royalist control generally poorer

• Commissions of Array of dubious legality

• Administration

• Indecisiveness

• Generals

• Division

• Charles as a military leader

• Charles’ agreement with Catholics

• Reliance on foreign aid

Why was Charles’ administration weak?

The Royalist Council of War at Oxford was initially effective, however, it suffered from its’ limited authority with Royalist commanders in the north and west basically being independent.

Why was indecisiveness a Royalist weakness?

Charles did not take advantage of the treater experience of his generals or the support from the aristocracy despite their promising start to the war. There was also division in the Royalist councils due to differing views (Henrietta Maria and adviser Edward Hyde) which led to incoherent policy due to Charles’ failure to recognise or select the best advice. Overall, Charles was a poor leader.

Why was Charles’ reliance on foreign aid a Royalist weakness?

His use of Rupert and Maurice left him more open to attack. Charles’ captured correspondence where he was negotiating with the French and the Pope was also great propaganda for Parliament.

What were some reasons for Parliamentary victory?

• Parliament’s war finance

• John Pym and alliances

• The advantages of holding London

• Local administration and local communities

• Control of the navy

• The New Model Army

Why was John Pym’s work a parliamentary strength?

He played a key role in laying the foundations of Parliament’s wartime administration. He combined executive with representative authority and developed methods for running the country without the king such as the Committee of Both Kingdoms and the assessment (a direct tax on income used to raise money for parliamentary armies). He was also vital in keeping Parliament together despite the different factions, persuading members to accept the Solemn League and Covenant.

Why was holding London a Parliamentary strength?

• Propaganda - it was the centre of printing

• Finance - gave Parliament access to resources, especially City loans

• Manpower - it was home to 1 out of 10 of the English population

• Port - it was England’s largest port

• Industry - it was England’s chief industrial centre and supplied arms, clothes and shoes

• Administration - already established administration

Why was control of the navy a Parliamentary strength?

They were able to supply its forces and strongholds such as Hull and Plymouth, as well as hamper the supply of Royalist areas, preventing Charles from receiving supplies and men from mainland Europe and Ireland.

Why was the New Model Army a Parliamentary strength?

The New Model Army was formed on 4th April 1645 under the command of Lord General, Sir Thomas Fairfax and consisted of 21,000 men. These were regularly paid, professional soldiers led by strong Puritan men such as Oliver Cromwell who would pray with their soldiers before battle. All of the men were also Puritan, giving them a shared cause to fight for.

What was the Self-Denying Ordinance and why was this a parliamentary strength?

An agreement to separate military and political functions allowing failed commanders who were members of the House of Lords to give up their commands, setting aside religious and political divisions. This resolved military failures following the Scots accusing Cromwell of favouring political and religious radicals in late 1644.