The First Civil War: the strengths and weaknesses of the political and military leadership of the Parliamentary forces; emergence of the New Model Army; the Solemn League and Covenant; Self Denying Ordinance
Parliament won the First Civil War partly by reforming its own army and leadership. Three key changes — the Scottish alliance, a new professional army, and a rule banning MPs from commanding troops — transformed Parliament's military effectiveness.
Real World
The New Model Army (formed 1645) was England's first truly professional national force — comparable to replacing a collection of local militias with a centralised, trained standing army — paying soldiers regularly and promoting on merit rather than birth. Commanders like Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell, freed from political interference by the Self-Denying Ordinance, delivered decisive victories at Naseby and Langport within months.
Exam Focus
Link the Self-Denying Ordinance directly to improved military performance — examiners reward answers that connect institutional reform to battlefield outcomes.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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