The maligned militia: the west country militia of the Monmouth Rebellion, 1685

Despite its failure to unseat King James II, the Monmouth Rebellion had a profound influence upon English politics.

In particular, it reignited the debate about whether the country should rely on a professional army under direct royal control or local country militias made up of part-time soldiers.

King James favoured the former, and used criticism of the militia?s performance during the rebellion to support his argument.

Contemporary commentators and historians alike all certainly seemed to agree that the king?s victory was won in spite of - not because of - the militia.