1. The English Civil War

2. Learning Intention
To understand why the English civil War started in 1642.
To be able to describe the main events before, during and after the Civil War
To explain the impact the English Civil War had on Britain's history

3. Background (Long term causes)
The Civil War didn’t have just one cause and it’s origins lay as far back as the death of Elizabeth I
Let’s test some of your knowledge. Quickly write down the answers to the following questions:
Who became King after Elizabeth I died?
What major event took place during his reign that we still commemorate today on 5th November?
What year did the English Civil War start?
Who won?

4. We can divide the Long Term Causes into 3 main areas:
Charles I’s belief in the Divine Right of Kings
Religious Problems
Political Problems

5. The Divine Right of Kings
The belief that Kings were chosen by God
Charles strongly believed in this idea (as had his father, James I)
Parliament wanted more of a say in how the country was run and thought the King should consult them on more than simply raising taxes
Charles believed he could rule the country and didn’t need to consult others

6. Activity
In your groups, complete the activity on your worksheet. Fill in the boxes with reasons why Charles and some people disagreed over the Divine Right of Kings

7. Religious Problems
5. What Religion was England under James and Charles?
Charles married Henrietta Maria, a French Catholic Princess and allowed her to attend Catholic masses
Charles was in fact a devout Anglican but he did like some aspects of the Catholic services – pictures, music, statues, colourful priests robes
Many Anglicans, especially the Puritans, wanted simple churches and services
6. Why did some people suspect Charles was a secret Catholic?

8. Religious Problems
1633 – Charles appoints WILLIAM LAUD as Archbishop of Canterbury
Laud changed services, robes, church decoration, etc
1637 – Charles & Laud tried to impose the English prayer book on the Scottish presbyterians – Riots followed and led to a full-scale rebellion

9. Activity
On you sheet, make a list of the Religious issues that lead up to the civil war.

10. Political Problems
Charles quarrelled with Parliament right from the start
1629 – Charles dismissed Parliament and ruled without them for 11 years
Charles was viewed as a tyrant by Parliament during this period because:
Used Court of Star Chamber to punish his opponents
Wanted earl of Strafford to use the army against any opposition
Raised taxes without Parliament’s permission
Refused to help the Protestants fighting the Catholic monarchs of Europe
Used Laud and the bishops to rule the country

11. Political Problems
1640 – Charles was forced to recall Parliament – needed money to fight the rebellion in Scotland
Charles forced to have Strafford executed, laud imprisoned and the Court of Star Chamber abolished
Oct 1641 – Irish Rebellion. Parliament feared any army raised to fight it would be used against Parliament. Called for control of the army.
Jan 1642 – Charles tries to arrest 5 MP’s
Riots broke out in London and Charles forced to flee to Nottingham

12. Activity
On your timeline, write in the most important political events leading up to the civil war. If you had been one of King Charles’ advisors, what advice would have given him in dealing with parliament?

13. 7. What does this picture show?
8. How can you tell?
9. Who can you see in the picture?

15. ROYALISTS & PARLIAMENTARIANS CAVALIERS & ROUNDHEADS
War breaks out!
The King and Parliament began to assemble their armies.
The two sides became known as:
ROYALISTS & PARLIAMENTARIANS or
CAVALIERS & ROUNDHEADS
Royalists:
Church of England & Catholics
Nobles & country gentlemen
The North and West of England & Wales
Country Areas
Parliamentarians:
Merchants & businessmen
Puritans
The South & East of England
London, larger towns and ports

16. Activity
On your sheet, fill in the supporters for each side. 10. Which side do you think will have the most money to buy weapons and pay soldiers? Why?

17. The Battle of Edgehill
In October 1642, the first battle of the civil war took place at EDGEHILL, in Warwickshire
The result was a draw as neither side was strong enough to defeat the other.
The war dragged on for 3 years

18. Battle of the Civil War
Using the textbook, the internet and any other resources, make notes on the following battles:
Edgehill, 1642
Marston Moor, 1644
Naesby, 1645
Include maps, details of the armies, the events of the battle and its results