Chapter 10: Cromwell’s reliance on the army as his source of power (Political inability and the Interregnum) Flashcards
what was the result of Cromwell relying on the army as his source of power
it resulted in the introduction of the military rule of the major generals in 1655-1656, that was widely resented
what did Major-generals raise
raised volunteer militias in their regions
how were the volunteer militias in their regions funded
decimation tax which was a 10% income tax imposed on royalists
what was carefully monitored by major-generals
activities of known/suspected royalists
what were royalists expected to seek permission for
seek permission to travel from their homes
what did the measures against the royalists dash hopes for
dashed the hope of reconciliation with royalists
what did Major-generals seek to enforce
a ‘reformation of manners’
how did major-generals seek to enforce a reformation of manners
by attempting to stop popular pastimes, such as horse racing and cockfighting
what was to be clamped down upon and what was a frequent target
- profanity
- blasphemy
- drunkenness
- fornication
- alehouses were frequent targets
how were attempts at reforming the nation’s morals from region to region varied
varied according to the zeal of individual officers
what symbolized the worst excesses of Puritan repression
- attempts at military government
- forced moral reform
what wasn’t intended with this new system
it wasn’t intended to replace the traditional structure of local government
who did major-generals and their assistants work alongside with
the existing hierarchy of magistrates, sheriffs, constables, town corporations and county committees
why was there resentment amongst the gentry
that they were unelected soldiers rather than members of the traditional ruling elite
what was called into question
the legality of the system
