King Charles II: The New Model Army
For Charles II, it would only make sense to get revenge on the organization that that removed his father from the throne, proceeded to execute him, and then essentially sent Charles II as far away from his birth right as possible. Charles II had a profound hatred of the New Model Army, and all he needed was a legitimate excuse to remove them. The biggest problem with having a full-time professional army is that they are always being paid even when not fighting. Charles II used the cost of the New Model to justify dissolving the army without making it appear to be him completing his personal vendetta. The New Model Army was surprisingly passive when they were disestablished in January 1661, though General Monck could keep his regiment leaving approximately 3,500 troops in Charles II’s control. On February 14, 1661, Monck marched his troops to Tower Hill, where they laid down their swords to represent the end of the New Model Army. They immediately retook their weapons in the name of King Charles II as a sign that they were now under the control of the king. Monck and his men were
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Though the New Model Army was initially created to defeat an oppressive king, towards the end it became the military itself that became the problem it was trying to resolve. But, the Parliamentarians were successful in creating a modern professional army based off professionalism, separating politics and the military, and incredible leadership. Unfortunately, the New Model Army ultimately became more than just an improved replacement to the militia system. The New Model Army took the role of government by using its loyal soldiers to overwhelm resisters, taking politics into its own hands when they believed that parliament was inept, and by having Cromwell to finalize the army’s foothold in
Though the New Model Army was initially created to defeat an oppressive king, towards the end it became the military itself that became the problem it was trying to resolve. But, the Parliamentarians were successful in creating a modern professional army based off professionalism, separating politics and the military, and incredible leadership. Unfortunately, the New Model Army ultimately became more than just an improved replacement to the militia system. The New Model Army took the role of government by using its loyal soldiers to overwhelm resisters, taking politics into its own hands when they believed that parliament was inept, and by having Cromwell to finalize the army’s foothold in