Why did parliament win the civil war

Q6. Write an essay answering why parliament won the civil war Geographical areas: Parliament controlled the capital throughout the war; this was a divisive factor in its eventual victory. London was the trade centre of England; it was also the wealthiest city. Many of the other wealthy merchant cities and manufacturing centres remained loyal to parliament this meant that parliament had tight control over much of the trade in and out of the land, which meant more money from taxes for the war effort; pay was also more regular in the army of parliament which meant less people left. The Navy: Charles I had known the importance of a good navy and had made the Ship Tax to fund the growth of his fleet. However much of this tax was spent on other things like buying works of art for the royal court. At the outbreak of the civil war, the Navy remained loyal to parliament. This in meant that they could control the coastal waters and limit the amount of supplies and foreign troops entering the country for the king. The New Model Army: Members of the New Model Army received proper military training and by the time they went into battle they were very well-disciplined. In the past, people became officers because they came from powerful and wealthy families. In the New Model Army men were promoted when they showed themselves to be good soldiers. For the first time it became possible for working-class men to become army officers. Allies: The assistance of the Scots who helped Parliament win the Battle of Marston Moor which was a decisive turn in favour of Parliament. Charles & royalist problems: The king was short of money. The King's forces lacked the truly professional discipline that developed amongst the Parliamentarian forces- i.e. Cromwell's Iron Sides and the infantry of the New Model Army. The kings troops were mostly either upper-class cavalry or infantry recruited from the poor farmers and miners of Wales and Cornwall. They lacked the training, equipment and discipline to stand against a determined enemy. The King was no great general and he lacked experienced officers. Prince Rupert, the king's nephew, was a brave commander but he could not stand against Cromwell. He laced popular support for in London, the centre of Economic and Political life in England. Without holding London it was very hard to control the kingdom. BIBLIOGRAPHY http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/CharlesI_execution.htm [Date accessed 27/03/11] http://www.british-civil-wars.co.uk/biog [Date accessed 19/03/11] http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/Civ [Date accessed 01/03/11] http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/civil_war_revolution/charlesi_execution_01.shtml [Date accessed 10/03/11]