Negotiations with Charles I Flashcards
(14 cards)
When did Charles I surrender, and to whom?
In May 1646, Charles surrendered to the Scots rather than Parliament.
Why did Charles surrender to the Scots?
He hoped to exploit divisions between Scots and English Parliamentarians, and preserve royal power.
What were the Newcastle Propositions (1646)?
Terms offered by Parliament to Charles:
Parliamentary control of the army for 20 years.
Bishops abolished.
Strict Presbyterianism in the Church.
Punishment of Royalist leaders.
How did Charles respond to the Newcastle Propositions?
He delayed and hoped to exploit divisions, refusing to accept permanently limiting royal power.
What were the Heads of the Proposals (1647)?
A more moderate set of terms from the Army (New Model Army), including:
Biennial Parliaments.
Parliamentary control of the army for 10 years.
Moderate religious toleration.
Why did Charles reject the Heads of the Proposals?
He believed the Army lacked legitimacy and expected a Royalist resurgence.
What was the “Engagement” (1647)?
A secret agreement between Charles I and the Scots to impose Presbyterianism in England in exchange for military support.
What was the result of the Engagement?
The Second Civil War (1648) – Charles’s supporters rose again but were defeated by the New Model Army.
What was the significance of the Second Civil War?
It convinced many in the Army that Charles could not be trusted, leading to a shift toward more radical action.
What was Pride’s Purge (Dec 1648)?
Colonel Pride forcibly removed MPs sympathetic to Charles, leaving the Rump Parliament to try the king.
What happened to Charles I in January 1649?
He was tried, convicted of treason, and executed on 30 January 1649.
Why was Charles executed?
He was seen as a “man of blood” who had caused two wars and betrayed every negotiation attempt.
Why did negotiations with Charles I fail?
Charles refused to compromise, played factions against each other, and prioritized his divine right to rule.
What was the significance of Charles I’s execution?
It marked the end of monarchy (temporarily), led to the Commonwealth, and shocked Europe.
