What were the political divisions which arose from the First Civil War?

The English Civil War was complex

Parliament had 'won'-but there were some divisions that had developed which meant that victory in 1646 was not conclusive.

There was a failure to reach a settlement from 1646 to 1649. The King was the political leader of the Royalist- no single person could claim the right to make decisions.

England had been plunged into chaos

The existing social and political hierarchy had broken down.

Brought serious economic problems

Radicalisation of the NMA- it had become a potent political force, a mover and shaper of events.

Further conflicts would arise following the war

Royalist divisions: Charles and the Cavaliers

Charles tended to side with the Cavaliers against the moderate Royalists. The Cavaliers wanted nothing less than a complete military victory over Parliament.

1643: Charles declared that Parliament was an illegal assembly

1644: Edward Hyde persuaded Charles to open the 'Oxford Parliament'. This would show that Charles could and intended to, work with a Parliament once the war was over.

The Earl of Essex and the Earl of Manchester became political Presbyterians and switched towards the Peace Party from the War Party.

How many MPs supported the Oxford Parliament?

175 MPs and 82 peers supported the Oxford Parliament

What was the impact of the Scottish alliance (August 1643) on the War Party?

The War Party was in favour of Scottish intervention- they wanted a thorough and effectively all-out war. Post August 1643 the Political Independents (former War Party) now sees Scottish Presbyterianism as a threat to religious liberty and to an acceptable settlement with the King.

What was the religious agenda of the Political Independents?

They valued a State-run Church with the Liberty Of Conscience (Oliver Cromwell).

What was the impact of the Scottish alliance on the Peace Party?

They opposed the Scottish intervention as they wanted a quick finish to the war which could not be done with Scottish interference.

The Political Presbyterians valued religious toleration (this agreed with the Presbyterian settlement) and now sees Scottish Presbyterians as the best way to control religious radicals and reach an agreement with the King.

When was the Solemn League and Covenant?

August 1643

What was the Solemn League and Covenant?

This was Parliament's alliance with Scotland. Pym had been instrumental in organising the alliance with the Scots where they agreed to send 22,000 men to help defeat the King.

The English Parliament agreed to commit England to a Presbyterian settlement (a trial run of 3 years).

What were the key ideas of the Presbyterians Party (former Peace Party)?

Holles: MP- Charles should be returned to full power. He was horrified by the idea of a transference of the government of the State from the King.

Devereaux, 3rd Earl of Essex- NMA was too expensive and a hotbed of radicals.

Montague, 2nd Earl of Manchester- Victory could not have been achieved without Parliament's Scottish allies.

The Solemn League and Covenant offered the best chance of healing the divisions in the country and guaranteeing social stability.

Divisions deepen further

By 1644: Parliament had lost two key political leaders. In June 1643, Hampden died and in December 1643, Pym died of cancer. After Marston Moor, officers and soldiers were uncomfortable about the proposed imposition of a Presbyterian Church settlement.

The old 'Peace Party' saw Scottish Presbyterianism as a way to bring the war to an end.

The 'War Party' came to regret their promises to the Scots.

Manchester vs Cromwell

The Earl of Manchester was concerned with good relations with the Scots.

Cromwell thought that the Scots performance had been disappointing.

Cromwell's military skills were highlighted at Marston Moor, he was an excellent commander.

When was the Self-Denying Ordinance?

It was passed by both Houses on the 3rd of April 1645

What was the Self-Denying Ordinance?

The Ordinance was engineered by Sir Henry Vane and the Parliamentary 'War Party' to rid Parliament's armies of its aristocratic commanders. No member of the House of Commons or the House of Lords could hold any command in the army or navy. Oliver Cromwell remained exempt from the Ordinance since his military skills were regarded as indispensable.

Why was the Ordinance significant?

It prepared the way for the formation of the NMA