Chapter 2: The Civil War

Charles vs. Parliament Civil war - when people within a country are fighting each other 1642 – Charles began a conflict that would tear his country apart for 7 years Both sides had to create an ‘army’

Charles vs. Parliament Charles’ army (Royalists)Parliament’s army - Many of them came from noble families (money to pay for weapons) - Were local militia (citizens who are trained to act as soldiers in times of emergency) - Were used to fighting and riding on horses - Were farmers and townspeople - Were called ‘Royalists’ or ‘Cavaliers’ - Most of their army had almost no military experience - Included experienced commanders (good leaders) - Had control over the navy

Civil War – Charles vs. Parliament Charles was successful at first ◦ He won many small battles Parliament made an alliance with Scotland (who was building a more modern army) The leader of this “New Model Army” was Oliver Cromwell, a puritan who sided with parliament

Cromwell’s Army Cromwell’s soldiers were called “Roundheads” (because they cut their hair very short compared to the Cavaliers who wore long curls)

Cromwell’s Army The Roundheads were: ◦ Highly disciplined ◦ Usually very religious ◦ Well-equipped  steel body-armor and lobster-tail helmets

Charles vs. Parliament (and Cromwell’s Army) The New Model Army defeated the Royalists at two important battles Charles was forced to flee to Scotland ◦ He was made a prisoner ◦ He was handed over to parliament

The Rump Parliament When the civil war had begun, many of the members of parliament who supported the king left parliament to fight with him Parliament was left in the hands of Presbyterians and Puritans ◦ They disagreed on many important matters

Presbyterians vs. Puritans PresbyteriansPuritans - Wanted churches to be organized so that people worshipped the same everywhere - Wanted each church to run itself separately from the other churches - Didn’t care if Charles stayed as king, as long as he agreed to ‘limited’ powers -Wanted to see the end of the monarchy (no more kings)

The Rump Parliament Charles tried to play the two sides against each other ◦ Was very dishonest with everybody When rebellions broke out in support of the king, the parliamentary army sent soldiers to drive out the 143 Presbyterian members of parliament

The Rump Parliament The parliament that was left (the Puritans) were called the “Rump Parliament” ◦ They charged the king with treason (being disloyal to your country) and with making war on his own people ◦ He was put on trial for his life

The Trial of the King Charles’ trial was strange, difficult and lengthy In the end, he was found guilty and was sentenced to death On the day of his execution, Charles dressed nicely and ate some food (he didn’t want to seem poor or afraid) He was led onto a scaffold and executed (his head was cut off)

Charles’ Execution