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1642-1643 first phase of the war
Charles was in a strong position at the outbreak of the war. He controlled much of the country and had the support of most of the nobility and gentry. In addition he was assisted by his nephews - Prince Rupert of Rhine and Maurice of Nassau both of whom were professional soldiers who had fought in Thirty Years War (1618-48).
In October 1642 royalist forces gained marginal advantage in the battle of Edgehill. -
1643-1644 Finances
In 1643 Pym established an excise tax in the parliamentary areas to maintain parliamentary forces. In 1644 parliament’s control of superior finances and resources (they controlled navy and also controlled London - city where many wealthy merchants lived) began to turn the tide of war in its favour. -
1644-1645 agreement with Scots
Shortly before his death Pym succeeded in persuading Commons sign the Solemn League and Covenant which promised help from Scottish army.
The Scottish army was instrumental in parliamentary victory at Marston Moor in July 1644. -
1645 - the New Model Army
The creation of the New Model Army marked the third phase of the war and secured parliamentary victory in the final, key battle at Naseby in June 1645.
Two significant developments were made:
1) under Self-Denying Ordinance all MPs agreed to resign their military positions and were replaced by generals of proven military ability.
2) parliamentary forces were reorganised into a single New Model Army. It was placed under command of Thomas Fairfax. -
the New Model Army commanders
An army of 22,000 men was created led by Thomas Fairfax. Faifax was a men with a proven talent as a soldier and little interest in politics, making him acceptable for both “peace” and “war” parties that have emerged in parliament.
Oliver Cromwell was appointed cavalry commander. He also achieved his status through merit, rather than title -
1646 Charles surrendering to Scots
As royalist forces were defeated throughout the country, Charles left his stronghold at Oxford and surrendered to Scots in April 1646.
Oxford fell to parliamentary forces in June, bringing the First Civil War to an end. -
1646-1647 the search for settlement
While Charles was held by Scots at Newcastle he received separate proposals for a settlement from the Scots and from the English parliament.
At this time there was no thought of removing or replacing Charles and both of the proposals would have restored him to the throne albeit with some restrictions.
But Charles was not prepared to negotiate seriously with his opponents. He was convinced that his opponents’ alliance would break down and thus strengthen his own bargaining position. -
1647 Scots handing the king over to parliament
The Scots entered the war to secure the future of their Presbyterian Church. As parliament weren’t going to give them their desired reformation they turned to Charles offering more generous proposals in political terms.
But Charles delayed his response and the Scots gave up in February 1647 and handed him over to the English -
1647 Politicization of army
Parliament voted to disband the army without pay. This suggestion caused army to become politicized and within a few month army emerged as a rival political force. The radical Leveler movement gained support within the army.
The Levelers started as a group advocating religious toleration but later developed a political programme. They demanded that real political power should be transferred to the House of Commons. Levelers also declared that “all men’s estates should be levelled” -
1647 The Head of Proposals
In June 1647 the army gained custody of the king and presented their own proposals to him.
The head of Proposals was a far more moderate document than the Newcastle propositions (Charles was never likely to accept all of the proposals offered to him by MPs), which suggest that the army leaders wanted establish a lasting and stable settlement. -
1647 the Putney debates
The Putney Debates took place in October 1647, it were series of discussions among the army officers. Some officers influenced by Leveler movement demanded more radical changes than the Head of Proposals offered.
The debates were brought to the abrupt end by the news that Charles had escaped captivity. -
1647 December - Secret Engagement with Scots
Charles signed agreement with the Scots in December 1647, promising to impose Presbyterianism in England for three years in exchange for their military support.
The Scots entered England in April 1648 triggering a brief Second Civil War and were easily defeated by an army commanded by Cromwell in August. -
1648 - outcomes of the Second Civil War
Army officers such as Cromwell, Ireton demanded that Charles be brought to justice. They argued that Charles had betrayed trust of his people in the eyes of God.
Parliament sent Charles four bills as a final demand. Charles replied that he would consider giving parliament some control of militia. -
1648 December - Pride’s purge
When Parliament voted to continue negotiations with the king, Ireton acted to forestall this settlement.
On 5 December the parliament was surrounded by soldiers from the regiment of Colonel Thomas Pride. They arrested 45 MPs who were most active in promoting further negotiations and excluded another 186 MPs who supported the idea.
This left a “Rump” parliament of 240, of whom 71 become actively involved in trial of Charles. -
1648 January - execution of the king
A High Court of Justice was created to try Charles. He was found guilty of all charges and was executed on 30 January 1649.