Vote of No Addresses facts for kids

The Vote of No Addresses was an important decision made by the English Long Parliament on January 17, 1648. This vote meant that the Parliament would stop talking and negotiating with King Charles I. They made this choice because they found out that King Charles was secretly making a deal, called an engagement, with the Scots.

A powerful leader named Oliver Cromwell strongly believed that Parliament should not try to negotiate with the King anymore. Many members agreed with him, and the vote passed with 141 votes in favor and 91 against. This decision was supported by a general council a few days earlier, and even the House of Lords, which had been hesitant, agreed to it.

By September 1648, the Second English Civil War had ended. The King's supporters, known as Royalists, along with their allies, had been defeated by Parliament's army, called the New Model Army, in a battle at Preston. After this victory, the Army became very powerful. They wanted to start talking with the King again. Because of this, Parliament decided to cancel the Vote of No Addresses in September 1648, allowing negotiations to restart.

What Was the Vote of No Addresses?

The Vote of No Addresses was a declaration by the English Parliament that they would no longer communicate with King Charles I. This was a big step because it meant they were giving up on finding a peaceful solution with the King.

Why Did Parliament Stop Talking to the King?

Parliament had tried many times to reach an agreement with King Charles I to end the civil war. They had even sent him four important bills that were meant to keep Parliament and the country safe. However, the King refused these bills. When Parliament learned he was making a secret deal with the Scots, they felt he couldn't be trusted. They decided they had to find a way to govern the country without him.

Key Points of the Vote

The main points of the Vote of No Addresses were:

• Parliament declared they would not send any more messages or requests to the King.
• No one was allowed to send messages to the King without Parliament's permission.
• Breaking this rule could lead to serious punishment, like being charged with treason.
• Parliament also said they would not receive any more messages from the King.

Why Was the Vote Cancelled?

The Vote of No Addresses was cancelled in September 1648 because the situation changed after the Second English Civil War. Parliament's New Model Army had won a major victory against the King's supporters. With the Army now in a strong position, they wanted to try negotiating with the King again to find a lasting peace.

See also

• The failed Treaty of Newport September 1648.