Politicisation of the New Model Army

Politicisation of the New Model Army

1. Created in early 1645 to make the war effort more effective

   • Commanded by Thomas Fairfax with Cromwell as lieutenant general

2. Army was abused by leader of the Political Presbyterians - Denzil Holles - through the so-called 'Declaration of Dislike'.

   • Said that army petitioners were, 'enemies to the state and disturbers of the public peace'.
     • To NMA and Political Indeps. it seemed like the Political Presbs. were attempting to build a rival army.

3. Angry because they were owed £3 million and faced disbandment before this was payed.

   • Possibility of being charged with offences committed during war as Parliament hadn't passed an indemnity act.
     • Gentles has argued that these material grievances were key in pushing the army towards direct political action.

4. NMA's entry into politics had a significant impact on settlement.

   • Became central to all that followed until the Restoration (1660)

5. Influence of Levellers and Diggers

   • The Levellers were a London based group seeking political, economic and social reform
     • Led by John Lilburne
     • Leveller movement developed because of the economic distress caused by the civil war
   • The Diggers (True Levellers) were another response to the effects of the civil war,
     • Kishlansky argued, 'the Digger movement appeared more ominous than it actually was'.
       • The ideas and actions of the Diggers were a challenge to the society and politics of the time but their influence was limited.