Making peace in the English civil wars

Abstract This article argues that peacemaking became a central strand of political debate and practice in England during the 1640s. The traumatic experiences civil war failure elite politicians to negotiate swift settlement forced English people think more than ever before about how peace could be achieved preserved. Those outside usual spheres decision-making now offered themselves up as mediators between king parliament publicized their own schemes for national reconciliation. At same time, shows those most committed Parliamentarian or Royalist cause sought present peacemakers. It crucial issue these public debates was whether lasting likely through negotiation decisive military victory one side.