In 1646, Charles I, the King of England, faced a difficult decision that would change the course of the English Civil War. The agreement in question was called the „Newcastle Propositions,” proposed by the Scottish Covenanters who had allied with Parliament against the King.
The Newcastle Propositions consisted of three main points. Firstly, they demanded that Charles I accept the Presbyterian form of church government and abolish the Anglican Church hierarchy. Secondly, they required the disbandment of the royalist army and the establishment of a new military force under the control of Parliament. Finally, the Propositions called for an investigation into those who had participated in the recent civil war and a pardon for those who had not committed crimes against Parliament.
However, Charles I rejected the Newcastle Propositions, seeing them as a threat to his authority and power. The King was unwilling to compromise on the issue of church government, as he believed that the Anglican Church was the only legitimate form of Christianity. He also saw the proposed military reforms as an attack on his ability to defend his kingdom.
The rejection of the Newcastle Propositions was a crucial moment in the English Civil War, as it led to the resumption of hostilities between Parliament and the King`s forces. The war would continue for another four years, until Charles I was finally defeated and executed in 1649.
In conclusion, the Newcastle Propositions were a set of demands made by the Scottish Covenanters during the English Civil War. They were rejected by Charles I, who saw them as a threat to his authority and power. This rejection ultimately led to the continuation of the war and the downfall of the King.