The Civil War

Subject: History
Level: Secondary
Age Group: 14 - 16
Order Number: 7015

The History Portfolio, the acclaimed and popular collection of black and white photocopiable drawings has now been expanded to cover national histories and the roots of European civilisation.

Each pack contains maps, drawings, diagrams and cartoons giving a wealth of information on the period that can be used with a wide range of pupils. Packs come complete with teacher notes which give background information on the events and people depicted on each sheet.

Pack F2 - The Civil War

The pack covers the First Civil War, 1642-48. The Second Civil War, 1647-48, is not included here nor the Battle of Worcester, 1651 (see Pack F3), nor are Cromwell's operations in Scotland and Ireland, 1650 - 53.

Only the major battles and sieges are dealt with - the Civil War did not involve the entire country. Most people remained uncommitted or confused and were only directly involved on the approach of the army when they would adjust their allegiance accordingly. The armies were small 'gentlemanly' armies confined on both sides to the 'gentry' and their personal followers; until Cromwell's New Model Army, which was more professional, better trained and better paid. There was very little deliberate sacking and destruction of civilian properties or religious intolerance, which were features of the Thirty Years' War then raging across Europe. Only where mercenary troops were employed, as in Prince Rupert's Sack of Birmingham, 1644, was there unnecessary and sectarian savagery.

Little has been included on tactics, strategy, weapons or organisation of armies, but the King's movements after the Civil War, until his final arrest and trial in 1648, are traced in detail.