ESSAY PLAN- Charles’ failed arrest of the five members of Parliament was the most important cause of the outbreak of civil war by 1642’. To what extent do you agree?

‘Charles’ failed arrest of the ve members of Parliament was the most important cause of
the outbreak of civil war by 1642’. To what extent do you agree?


Example Plan Paragraph

Intro: Although attempt on ve members was important, GR most important.

Agree-Attempt on the Five Member
• January 1642; Charles marches into Parliament, surrounded by armed guards, and
demands the speaker point out 5 MPs; John Pym, Denzil Holles, Arthur Haselrig, William
Strode and John Hampden. He had a warrant for their arrest. The ve MPs had been
warned however, and had ed down the Thames to a safe house
• How did this lead to war: Made war inevitable; radical MPs and London Mob outraged-
Charles is forced to ee London as it becomes too unsafe for him and his family, with the
mob building barricades and getting ready to ght. This emboldens the mob and makes
communications between Charles and Parliament virtually impossible- complete
breakdown in relations, war became unavoidable. Solidi ed support for Pym and his
cause as the 5 MPs were hailed as heroes- meant he had enough support to ght a war.