America’s first Civil War wasn’t in 1861, nor was it in 1775. The war between Charles I and Parliament changed the colonies forever, and the Commonwealth period under Oliver Cromwell saw the rise of the First British Empire.
Part 1 If you support a revolution, you have to be willing to accept the utter uncertainty of its outcome. You don’t get to dictate how much, or exactly how things change. Your options are to defend the status quo, even if you believe in reform, or to destroy the established order and accept the Read more about ECW 21-22: The Scottish Civil War[…]
In 1650, the first major group of Scots arrived in the New World. They arrived most notably in Massachusetts Bay, transported in fact by a New England-built ship called the Unity, but others were scattered around other English Colonies which were loyal, or at least in safe submission, to Cromwell’s new government. In the next Read more about Scotland’s Civil War (pt. 1)[…]
It’s one thing to advocate for change. It’s another, far messier one to actually get an opportunity to implement it. In 1649, New England was experiencing both the rewards and complications of Cromwell’s victory. Introduction Once again, thanks for waiting. I really do appreciate those of you who stuck around this long. And you shouldn’t Read more about ECW 18: The challenges and rewards of victory[…]
When she heard about the regicide, one Bermuda colonist said she thought that “They that done it, would never see the face of Christ.” Introduction Before we get started, I just wanted to do a little housekeeping. School begins again next week, and my goal is going to be to do this as a biweekly Read more about ECW 18: Declarations of Independence[…]
If you were to make a list of the top 10 most pivotal events in American History, the execution of King Charles I would have to be on it. It might not be one which immediately sprang to mind, but it hadn’t happened, America would be unrecognizable today. As we will shortly see, everything we Read more about ECW 17: The Second English Civil War[…]
The common thread in our last two episodes was that the end of the English Civil War had forced its North American colonies into a defensive position. The world was suddenly very uncertain, and colonies like Virginia and Maryland found themselves having to assess exactly how they would protect their own ways of life in Read more about ECW 16: The Cambridge Platform[…]
Welcome back! This week, we’re going to talk about Maryland in the aftermath of the Plundering Time and the end of the First English Civil War. Introduction We left Maryland at a pivotal moment in its history. The Plundering Time was over, Calvert had resumed his role as governor of Maryland, and just afterward, he Read more about ECW 15: The Toleration Act[…]
In 1648, Virginia banished two more puritan preachers, and not only is this event a good glimpse into issues Virginia faced following Parliamentary victory, it became an event that affected the course of both Virginia and Maryland history. Introduction I had meant to talk about Maryland this week, and the story I’m telling was originally Read more about ECW 14: Common Prayer[…]
Episode 13: An end to neutrality Welcome back! And, I am so sorry for the delay. It lasted longer than I expected, but I am so excited to be back to the podcast! This week, we’re going to pick up where we left off, at the end of the first English Civil War. Intro First, Read more about ECW 13: A new colony and an end to neutrality[…]
Civil wars are notoriously terrible. They’re more violent, harder to end, and create longer lasting animosities than other types of conflict. In 1645, America had largely been spared from these effects and problems, but it wouldn’t be spared from people affected by them. Introduction But first! A quick announcement. I’ve just gotten my first full-time Read more about ECW 12: The experience of war in England[…]