Parliament controlled most of the sea ports and the navy. Therefore, they could keep trade going, benefit from taxes on trade & keep London supplied. The ‘front line’ in the war was very long which meant that troops had to constantly disperse to guard key towns and territories. This meant that Charles couldn’t focus on taking London or winning one decisive battle. The South East had more printing presses than any other area – Parliament had 6 newspapers during the war; the Royalists only had 2. This meant Parliament had more effective propaganda. Parliament controlled London, the South East & East Anglia throughout the war. This meant they held the wealthier areas & had the economic & financial capacity to maintain their war effort over a long period AND Parliamentary control of London meant they controlled the centre of commerce & credit [& could therefore raise money from London merchants]. Officers within the NMA were promoted according to ability, not social status. Therefore some talented officers appeared who would otherwise have remained ordinary soldiers. This strengthened the parliamentary army. Parliament enforced weekly assessments – essentially this was a tax on land. Control of ports meant that Parliament could prevent possible aid reaching the royalists from France. [In fact, France & Spain were too involved in the 30 years’ war to offer serious help] Charles money problems meant that his army lived from hand to mouth & gained a reputation for plundering and taking free quarter. This did not help his case.
Parliament controlled most of the sea ports and the navy. Therefore, they could keep trade going, benefit from taxes on trade & keep London supplied. The ‘front line’ in the war was very long which meant that troops had to constantly disperse to guard key towns and territories. This meant that Charles couldn’t focus on taking London or winning one decisive battle. The South East had more printing presses than any other area – Parliament had 6 newspapers during the war; the Royalists only had 2. This meant Parliament had more effective propaganda. Parliament controlled London, the South East & East Anglia throughout the war. This meant they held the wealthier areas & had the economic & financial capacity to maintain their war effort over a long period AND Parliamentary control of London meant they controlled the centre of commerce & credit [& could therefore raise money from London merchants]. Officers within the NMA were promoted according to ability, not social status. Therefore some talented officers appeared who would otherwise have remained ordinary soldiers. This strengthened the parliamentary army. Parliament enforced weekly assessments – essentially this was a tax on land. Control of ports meant that Parliament could prevent possible aid reaching the royalists from France. [In fact, France & Spain were too involved in the 30 years’ war to offer serious help] Charles money problems meant that his army lived from hand to mouth & gained a reputation for plundering and taking free quarter. This did not help his case.
why-did-parl-win-IT-SHEET.docx