Search for peace

- Charles was unwilling to comprimise on the future of the church with the scotts. Newcastle propositions given to king, P had control of militia for 20 years and his advisors and were allowed to reform the church, Bishops and anglican church removed, 70 of kings supporters to be punished. Conservative MPs had the majority in parliament 1646 'Political Presbyterians'. P wanted to disband army as cost too much and wasnt needed, voted 1647, but didnt promise indemnity or arrears.

- Army petitioned to Fairfax not to disband, Ireton and Cromwell faught on their behalf. Soldiers appointed agitators to speak on their behalf, many were religious radicals, Conservative MPs scared of radicals. P declined religious toleration aswell. People had to choose between P who they faught for or army for religious reasons. 27th may P ordered army to disband, 28th agitators informed fairfax they wouldnt, 29th council of officers agreed to support them. General council of the army made up of officers and agitators to create a fair settlement.

- King used army and P split against them and stalled loads so he could join with scotland. King was extremely stubborn, believed no settlement could happen without him. Army proposed Heads of the Proposals in 1647. Allowed bishops but with limited powers, no imposition of presbyterianism (toleration) only 7 royalists punished, P enemies only excluded for 5 years, P control milita 10 years, P elections every 2 years.

- 1648 war was imminent. Army unity and discipline was restored. P voted 'No further address' ( no furher negotiations with the king). Charles condemmed 'Man of blood'. Crom stopped welsh uprising, then cut off scots, went to yorkshire and mopped up royalists resistance, seige of colchester dragged on until september but they won due to huge numbers in new model army.

- First war was unplanned, second charles deliberately waged war on his people using foreign army , went against gods judgement and will in the providential view. By november the army was united against bringing the king to trial. Henry Ireton was the strategist, published army remonstrance demanding the king be brought to justice.

- However, most of P were conservative and wanted settlement with king, and feared the radicals in army more than royalists. King granted P control of militia on 3rd december, 5th vote of no address repealed. Army had to act otherwise king would return to london from isle of wight. 6th the regiment of colonel pride surrounded house of P and refused entry to anyone who supported king, most stayed away, only 70 mps left known as 'rump'. Crom supported this, they passed 3 resolutions claiming sole authority to make laws 1649, kings trial began 20th january, executed 30th January. monarchy abolished, house of lords abolished, England declared a commonwealth.