Self-Denying Ordinance
Quick Summary
The Self-Denying Ordinance was enacted in April 1645 during the English Civil War. This ordinance stipulated that members of Parliament who held military or civil office acquired since November 1640 must resign them. The primary goal was to improve Parliament's military effectiveness by removing potential conflicts of interest and ensuring that military command was held by those solely focused on winning the war. This led to the formation of the New Model Army, a professionalized fighting force under unified command, which ultimately secured victory for Parliament.1
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New Model ArmyIn April 1645, by the Self-Denying Ordinance, members of Parliament resigned all military and civil office and command acquired since November 1640. Sir Thomas Fairfax (afterward 3rd Baron Fairfax—the “younger” Fairfax) was appointed captain general of the New Model Army, with authority to appoint his senior officers. The army’s organization…
Read MoreIn April 1645, by the Self-Denying Ordinance, members of Parliament resigned all military and civil office and command acquired since November 1640. Sir Thomas Fairfax (afterward 3rd Baron Fairfax—the “younger” Fairfax) was appointed captain general of the New Model Army, with authority to appoint his senior officers. The army’s organization…
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United KingdomCivil war and revolution…who were displaced by the Self-Denying Ordinance (1645), an act that excluded members of Parliament from civil and military office. The New Model Army was commanded by Thomas Fairfax, Baron Fairfax, and eventually the cavalry was led by Lieut. Gen. Oliver Cromwell.
Read More…who were displaced by the Self-Denying Ordinance (1645), an act that excluded members of Parliament from civil and military office. The New Model Army was commanded by Thomas Fairfax, Baron Fairfax, and eventually the cavalry was led by Lieut. Gen. Oliver Cromwell.
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