Civil War
TREMORS
Reformation and Counter-Reformation
Europe provided the backdrop against
which the Civil Wars of the 1640s
were played out. Before 1517, Europe
was religiously united, with all states
and virtually all subjects
acknowledging the Pope as their
spiritual leader. However, following Luther's revolt of 1517, Europe inexorably divided
into two hostile camps-the mainly southern Catholic states, and the generally smaller
states of the north which embraced Protestantism. In time, moderate and radical
Protestants would also came into conflict with each other, and this conflict spread to
the British Isles.
THE BREAKDOWN
The origins of the Civil War are evident in the
early reign of Charles I. Although Charles’
period of personal rule appeared to be
successful, conflict simmered below the
surface, often focused on religion. William
Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, initiated a
series of high church reforms which
antagonised Puritans and led to a wave of
religious persecution.
By mid-1641, the crisis seemed to have
passed. Charles had caved in to several Parliamentary demands, and he was on his
way north to make his peace with the Scots. However, just at this moment, Ireland
exploded in rebellion and the three kingdoms were hurtling towards a fresh crisis.
TAKING SIDES
By mid-1641, Charles had settled his differences
with the English Parliament and was on his way
north to make peace with the Scots. When
Ireland exploded in rebellion in November, it
drew the sovereign into conflict with his
subjects and set the three kingdoms on the path
to prolonged and bloody conflict.
Charles' departure from London and the growing
rift with Parliament forced people to start taking
sides during 1642. Family ties and longstanding friendships were placed under
intolerable pressure as the country started to
polarise. When Charles raised his standard at
Nottingham in August 1642, the scene was set for war.
TOTAL WAR
After the uncertainties of 1642-43 and the Royalist advances of 1643, the war entered
a crucial phase during 1644-45.
The Parliamentarians won an
outstanding victory at Marston Moor in
July 1644 which gave them control of
the north of England. However, the Royalists continued to enjoy spectacular
successes, especially in Scotland where Montrose enjoyed his 'year of miracles'. The
second Battle of Newbury was inconclusive and the Parliamentary commanders
seemed strangely unwilling to capitalise on their victories.
THE ENDGAME
Four years of war had radicalised the
Parliamentary troops, and Leveller
ideas were extremely popular within
the New Model Army. In October
1647, Army Grandees and 'agitators'
met to discuss Leveller ideas in
Putney Church but for propertyowners such as Oliver Cromwell, the ideas of men such as Thomas Rainsborough were
too extreme and the debates were wound up. Agitators who continued to expound
Leveller ideas in their regiments were shot.
AFTERSHOCKS
Charles I’s execution solved one problem but created
others- who would govern? And with what legitimacy?
Politically dominant by 1649, Cromwell made several
attempts to fashion a lasting political solution during the
years of the Republic 1649- 60. Cromwell died in
September 1658 and was succeeded by his son, Richard.
However, as the state drifted towards anarchy during
1659, only one solution seemed possible and so, in May
1660, the Stuarts were restored to their thrones in the
person of Charles II.