17th England, Revolution and Restoration: these distracted times: the 1642–1651 civil wars

What is the course about?

On this course we will evaluate the traditional themes in the history of the Civil Wars such as the causes of the Wars, key battles, Royalist and Parliamentarian armies and politics and the exectuon of Charles I. However, with a view to broadening our understanding of life during the Civil Wars, we will also explore themes including their impact on family dynamics and opposition to the wars; the collapse of censorship and the use of propaganda by both Royalists and Parliamentarians; the roles played by women, as petitioners, nurses and as local military leaders; concepts of ‘civil war trauma’ and war atrocities; medicine; religion, nonconformism and religious sects (eg Quakers, Diggers and Ranters), superstitions and witch hunting; the Levellers and the Putney Debates; and how ordinary people responded to the execution of Charles I.

What will we cover?

• Charles I, Parliament & the 11 Year Personal Rule
• Scotland & the Bishops Wars
• Key battles of the Civil Wars
• The Short, Long & Rump Parliaments: Independents & Presbyterians
• Royalist leaders, factions & infighting
• Parliamentarian leaders, factions & infighting
• ‘Godly Soldiers?’ The New Model Army
• Civil War pamphleteering and propaganda
• Superstition, Matthew Hopkins & witchhunting
• The role of women
• Innovations in medicine and nursing
• Nonconformists & radical thinkers: Quakers, Diggers, Ranters & Muggletonians
• The Levellers, the Putney Debates and An Agreement of the People
• The 1649 execution of Charles I
• The Abolition of the Lords & Monarchy
The Council of State
• The Irish Confederate Wars & Cromwell’s Irish campaigns
• The defeat of Charles II & the Royalist armies.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Evaluate the social, political, religious and economic factors that led to the Civil Wars
• Explain the concept of the ‘Wars of the 3 Kingdoms’ and evaluate the impact of the civil wars on England & Wales, Scotland and Ireland
• Identify factions within the Parliamentarian & Royalist political and military camps
• Assess the significance of the New Model Army for military history
• Evaluate how propaganda was used by both Royalists and Parliamentarians to support their causes
• Explain developments in medicine and the role of nursing
• Assess the different roles women played during the Civil Wars
• Evaluate the significance of the Levellers & the Putney Debates
• Assess the impact of Oliver Cromwell’s campaigns on Ireland i
• Explain the reasons for the Royalists’ defeat and the execution of Charles I
• Explain the term and evaluate the significance of the Council of State.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an introductory course to different themes in Civil Wars history and no prior knowledge is required. An open mind, a positive attitude and a willingness to engage constructively and respectfully in class discussions and debates is all that is required. Terms that may be new to you will be explained. Suitable for Roundheads, Cavaliers and everyone in between.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Informally through class debates and discussions in a positive learning environment. Reading is not mandatory, but it will help you to get the most out of the course. Via Google Classroom, you will be provided with extracts from texts, which will include both contemporary and historiographical sources, and guidance on how to read Civil War sources if you wish to enhance your knowledge of the topic.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No other costs. Please bring a pen and notebook to class if you wish to make notes.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

HBH110 17th century England, Revolution and Restoration: The Protectorate.