Strengths of the Royalists

The Role of the King
1. Became commander-in-chief of Royalist army
  1. Provides natural military structure
  2. So his decisions aren't challenged
2. Gives Royalists clear aim, preserve the monarchy
3. Had the rightful rule of the country as their leader
4. The populace would be inclined to fight for him
5. Initially had an advantage both financially and militarily
  1. Both financial and military
6. Members of the gentry donated to the Royalist cause
  1. Earl of Worcester, £300,000
  2. Earl of Newcastle,money and manpower
  3. Evelyn family provided gunpowder, Surrey
7. Experienced officers were more likely to fight for Charles
Foreign assistance
1. Benefited from the military experience of Princes Rupert and Maurice
  1. Under Rupert's direction, Royalist generals utilised new methods of warfare
    1. Modified cavalry charge and introduced converging columns of infantry
Territorial control and resources
1. Control of Newcastle mean that coal was secure and London's supply was cut off
2. Control of Cornwall ensured a steady supply of tin
3. Control of Bristol Port afforded control of strategic trade routes- held for periods between 1643-45
4. Control of proto-industrial areas like the Black Country and the Forest of Dean were important for iron production
5. Control of leather trade in the Midlands and clothing industry in Yorkshire

Resource summary

	Created by Declan Wiseman almost 8 years ago