Bishops' Wars

What were some underlying tensions which contributed to the struggle to raise an army for Charles?

Lack of support due to Charles' Laudian reforms as he did not realise the extent of opposition, financial reforms were also a source of tension.

What was Charles' expectation before war broke out?

He did not believe the Scots would truly fight against their own King (DROKs) and he believed they would desert the cause once they came to the reality of the situation.

What were some limitations of Charles' army?

Many became involved in attacking Church ornaments or joining local rioters in pulling down enclosures - were not enthusiastic about fighting with the Scots.

Why did the Scots have an advantage?

The Scots were committed to their cause and they felt justified in resisting their sovereign in the name of God - restoring Presbyterianism.

How big was Charles' army?

20,000 men

When was Charles' army ready by?

April 1639

Why did Charles lose the First Bishops' War? (3)

Charles had underestimated the Scots and their ability to fight, he did not have the full support of the nobility and London merchants refused to lend him money to raise an army.

When was the Pacification of Berwick?

18th June 1639

What did Charles state in Berwick?

He stated that he would not invade Scotland provided the Covenanter army remains ten miles north of the border.

What was agreed in the Treaty of Berwick?

Both sides agreed to disband their armies and Charles agreed to a meeting of a Scottish assembly and Parliament.

What were some reasons why Charles lost the First Bishops' War? (3)

The army was poorly trained and uncommitted to national cause, many did not want to fight Scotland - war was unpopular and Parliament was absent (no subsidies).

When was Wentworth recalled from Ireland?

September 1639

What did Wentworth advise Charles to do?

He advised Charles to recall Parliament - thought he could count on anti-Scottish patriotism to persuade MPs into voting subsidies to fund Charles' war campaign

When was the 'Short Parliament'?

April-May 1640 - it lasted 22 days.

Who were the leaders of the House of Commons?

John Pym and John Hampden - wanted to address the tyranny of personal rule which Charles was unwilling to do.

What happened during the 'Short Parliament'?

Charles demanded money and did not address any grievances whereas Parliament refused to grant subsidies unless Charles agreed to make concessions.

What was the significance of the failure of the Short Parliament?

Organised opposition began to emerge- grievances regarding Laudianism and royal abuses of power (fiscal feudalism).

What were the policy aims of Parliamentary opposition?

They wanted to assert the rights of Parliament, to dismantle all of Laud's religious reforms and they wanted Parliament to obtain control over taxation.

When did the Second Bishops' War commence?

June 1640

From what month did the Scots occupy Newcastle?

August

When was the Treaty of Ripon?

October 1640

What were the conditions of the Treaty? (3)

Further negotiations would be postponed until an English Parliament met, he had to pay £850 a day to the Scots while they occupied English soil and the Scots would continue to occupy Newcastle until a settlement was reached.

What is the significance of the Treaty?

It showed how Parliament had the advantage (leverage) as Charles was forced to call them for financial reasons.

What happened in the 1640 session of the Scottish Parliament? (2)

An act removed bishops from Parliament and prohibited officers of state from sitting in Parliament. Foreigners were forbidden from sitting in Parliament (no Englishmen)

What was the Triennial Act (1640)?

Parliament must be convened at least once every three years