1646-1649: What led to Pride's Purge and what were the Consequences?

So far...

• The Engagement, December 1647 - Threat of the Scottish invasion - Charles made an agreement with the Scots for Presbyterianism to be in England for 3 years - Solemn League and Covenant. Charles' intransigence blamed as he could no longer be trusted.
• Vote of No Addresses, January 1648 - An Act by Parliament where negotiations with Charles was banned 
• Second Civil War, April 1648-1649 - In 1648, Cromwell squashed the invading Scots and people saw the New Model Army as "God's Instrument"
• Remonstrance of the Army, November 1648 - Ireton made this, where it stated that Parliament should put Charles on trial. If parliament refused there would be a purge on Parliament and then the King's trial
• Politicalisation - the nation had become more "politicalised" mainly due to the NMA, getting more involved in politics and having their say in how Charles' and the nation should be treated. 
• Newport Treaty, December 5th 1648 - Parliament revoked the Vote of No Addresses and negotiated with Charles. A vote was held in Parliament where 129 MPs voted to continue with the Newport Treaty with Charles, with the 83 against reacting with the Remonstrance of the Army. Here, Parliament had become a barrier of settlement.

Pride's Purge

The vote in the House of Commons on December 5th, 1648, confirmed the Newport Treaty and Parliament's willingness to negotiate with the King. This made the Army act. 

• December 5th, 1648 - a vote in Parliament with 129 for/83 against - confirmed the Newport Treaty and Parliament's willingness to negotiate with the King, This was a trigger point for the Army - Ireton and Independents held a meeting where they persuaded the army to use military action to force a purge on Parliament on all of the King's supporters
• December 6th, 1648 - Troops led by Colonel Thomas Pride headed to purge Parliament. Pride had a list of MPs that were regarded as enemies of the Army and stood at the entrance of Parliament, deciding who should enter. Around 180 out of 470 MPs were prevented from entering. A small number were regarded as extremists (Holles) and were forced to fled London, but others were arrested. Around 100 MPs stayed away from London during the Purge. 

Who was involved?

• Henry Ireton - organised the Purge
• Fairfax - apparently had no knowledge of the event, and was said to be furious when he heard what had happened. 
• Cromwell - opinions divided and no direct evidence of his involvmenent with the event, which stood in his favour. However, many do comment that he did approve the event, 

What were the Consequences?

All of the MPs who were leading, involved in or supported negotiations with Charles were excluded from Parliament during the Purge or had been warned to stay away. Only 80 MPs sat in the "Rump Parliament," leaving Cromwell and the Independent MP's. Consequentially, this left the NMA, mainly the Grandees, in an exciting situation - they could finally do as they pleased as they had eliminated all barriers to their aims.