Part 5: The Interregnum, “The Kingless Experiment” - 1649 - 1660 Flashcards
(130 cards)
1
Q
What happened in Scotland after Charles I was executed?
A
Scottish Presbytarians announced Charles II as their king.
Charles II promised to uphold the Solemn league and covanent by allowing Presbytarinism to grow in England - plus the Scots did not like the NMA.
2
Q
What happened in Ireland after Charles’ execution?
A
Cromwell’s army landed in Ireland in 1649 and began a brutal campaign. His forces took the city of Drogheda in 1649, where they killed over 3,000 people (including civilians - this fig is just for drog / wex), and Wexford was similarly attacked.
The violence and brutality of Cromwell’s campaign, combined with heavy economic exploitation of the Irish people, led to widespread suffering and the decimation of the Irish population.
3
Q
Explain the Battle of Dunbar?
A
Battle of Dunbar, 1650
After Charles II aligned with the Scots and promised to install Presbytarianism like orginally agreed in the Solemn League and Covanent they became a formidable force.
The Rump decided to act first and led by Cromwell attacked the Scots in Dunbar.
Despite being outnumbered and a weaker position, Cromwell decsively defeated them. They controlled parts of Scotland cutting off Charles II army from going back into Scotland.
4
Q
Why was it Cromwell leading the invasion of Ireland / Scotland?
A
Fairfax (the old general of the NMA) was NOT a regicide and was critically worried by the increasing radicalisation of the NMA and so retired.
Cromwell took over.
5
Q
Explain what happened after Dunbar?
A
Charles II and the Scots pushed into England 20,000 strong to restore the monarchy. Again, demoralised and unmotivated they were defeated at the Battle of Worcester in 1651 by Cromwell.
Charles’ army was overwhelmed and suffered heavy casualites.
Charles fled to Europe hiding behind an oak tree.
6
Q
What was the outcome of Worcester?
A
The Battle of Worcester (1651) marked the end of the Royalist hopes for regaining the throne in the short term.
7
Q
What did Cromwell’s victories in the Kingdom after 1649 mean?
A
Cromwell’s victory in Scotland, Ireland, and at Worcester secured the Rump Parliament’s hold on power, prolonging the Commonwealth and delaying the restoration of the monarchy until 1660.
The victories in Scotland, Ireland and Worcester saved the Rump in the short term and consolidated Cromwell as the dominant figure of the age.
It also meant that the army leaders had their belief that they were gods instruments reinfoced, and they became determined to force the conservative Rump politicans to usher in reform.
8
Q
What were the 2 main towns destroyed by Cromwell in Ireland?
A
Drogheda and Wexford.
9
Q
Summarise Cromwells time in Ireland argument?
A
“Cromwell spent only 9 months of his eventful life in Ireland, and yet he stands accused there of war crimes, religious persecution and ethnic cleansing on a dramatic scale. The massacres of thousands rank among the greatest atrocities in Anglo - Irish history.”
10
Q
Summarise the NMA campaigns after Charles’ execution
A
The success of the NMA campaigns in Ireland, Scotland and England secured the Rump from the immediate military threat to its survival, although the NMA had to continue with lesser campaigns in the various kingdoms until 1660. The control they did exert prevented Charles II from taking control of England.
Yet, the political success of the NMA campaign was that the army leaders had their belief that they were god’s instruments reinforced, and they became determined to force the conservative Rump politicians to usher in reform. It was this that brought the underlying tensions between Parliament and the Army to surface in 1653 and ultimately led to Cromwell’s removal of the Rump.
11
Q
What where the NMA views on the dutch?
A
The army saw the Protestant (mainly merchant class) Dutch republic as a natural ally because during the years of Laudian persecution, the religiously tolerant Dutch Republic was a haven for many religious radicals.
12
Q
What was the First Dutch War?
A
The First Dutch War (1652 - 1654)
- A source of division between the army and the rump was the Dutch War.
- The NMA were more allied with the Dutch but the Rump strove for strategic and economic superiorty over them.
- After the Navigation Act in 1651 - only British ships could bring goods into England and its colonies.
- The martime tensions from the Act lead to skirmishes until a full on engagement in 1652 pushed the countries into war.
13
Q
What was the Navigation Act?
A
Navigation Act, 1651
- Passed by the Rump.
- Supported by Cromwell - disputed by the army.
- The act specified that only English Ships should bring goods into England and its colonies. Decreasing British dependency on imports.
14
Q
What were the impacts of the Dutch War on Rump / NMA relations?
A
The Dutch War not only created practical problems but also stoked army resentment over money being spent on the navy instead of the army, as well as the Rump’s use of the navy as a political counterweight to the army.
The army also disliked fighting against another Protestant Republic.
15
Q
How was the Navy a “Political Counterweight” to the NMA?
A
The navy acted as a loyal, alternative military force that could be relied upon in situations where the army might pose a potential threat due to internal unrest.
By using the navy to project England’s power and maintain domestic order, the Rump ensured that the army’s dissatisfaction wouldn’t translate into a political challenge.
16
Q
Why did the Rump fail?
A
The army grew increasingly frustrated with the Rump’s limited reform. Whilst there was a core of republicans who dominated the Rump, many of the MPs were relatively conservative (loads of MPs sat out of voting to execute Charles but had returned unhappy with the regicide).
17
Q
What were the 2 key reasons for the dissolution of the Rump?
A
- The political Nations conservative nature was set against a radical minority who wanted to see further reforms to follow what they saw as the limited political revolution of 1649.
- The relationship between the NMA and parliament was fragile. The Rump theoretically held the power but they could only function under the protection of the NMA which held the real power.
18
Q
Why was the Rump conservative despite Pride’s Purge?
(4 Reasons)
A
- The Rump came to power at the time of the worst economic crisis of the 17th century, which necessitated a more conservative approach.
- The threat from Ireland and Scotland and other European states meant that establishing a regime was more important than reform.
- Fear of radical religious groups. (Blasphemy Act)
- The Dutch War
19
Q
What shows the authorative political nations conservatism?
A
Of the 41 MPs on the Council Of State - 22 refused to swear an oath acknowledging regicide and abolition of the Lords and Monarchy.
20
Q
What was the Council Of State under the Rump?
A
The Council of State was established by the Rump Parliament in 1649, immediately after the execution of Charles I. It was created to serve as the executive branch of the Commonwealth of England, effectively functioning as the government of the nation in the absence of a king. Its role was to carry out the policies decided by the Parliament and oversee day-to-day governance.
There were 41 members.
21
Q
What was the Blasphemy Act?
A
Blasphemy Act, 1650
- The Act aimed to curb blasphemy and ensure that religious practice in England adhered to a more orthodox Protestant tradition.
- It put the cherry on top about the Rump’s conservatism.
- It supressed religious radical ideas and groups.
22
Q
Why did Cromwell dissolve the Rump?
A
Cromwell was concerned with the Rump’s lack of progress and valued army unity over Parliamentary authority. Cromwell acted as a moderator of both and began the process of dissolving parliament in 1653.
23
Q
What did Cromwell discover as he was dissolving the Rump?
A
Cromwell discovered that the Rump intended to set up its own committee to judge those who would be elected to the new parliament
He felt this would maintain the Rump’s power and prevent reform.
Thus, Cromwell acted and with Major - General Harrison, the leading millenarian fifth monarchist - he forcibly dissolved the Rump in April 1653.
24
Q
Despite their conservatism and lack of reform, what did the Rump still do of relevance from 1649?
A
In 1650 they brought an end to compulsory attendance of the National Church.
They also changed all legal proceedings from Latin to English and established advancements of the gospel in Wales, Ireland and the North - key measures for Millenarian army leaders such as Harrison who wanted what they saw as less godly areas to be converted to their own views.
However, the Rump’s failed to embrace the full scale of the reforms they desired.
25
What did the dissolution of the Rump leave the political landscape like?
The dissolution left power in Cromwells hands - he was not interested in becoming a dictator and so sought another form of parliament. He turned to those he could trust the most - the godly (5th monarchists)
26
What did the 5th monarchists want after the dissolution of the Rump?
The Fifth Monarchists wanted a regime run exclusively by the “saints” based on their interpretation of the biblical books (Like the Book of Daniel). They became a group that aimed at removing the Rump and establishing godly rule. At the forefront of this pressure was Harrison.
**Cromwell knew that the dissolution provided an opportunity to develop a godly parliament, and so he and Thomas Harrison formed the Barebones parliament / Nominated assembly / Parliament of saints.**
27
What was the Fifth Monarchists views of the Rump Parliament?
The Fifth Monarchists, **like many in the army**, increasingly regarded the Rump as preventing the establishment of godly rule.
28
What was the nominated assembly?
**BAREBONES PARLIAMENT (1653)**
* Post Rump Parliament that was composed of "Godly" men.
* Members were nominated rather than elected - only 144 members (1/5th of the Long Parliament).
* 12 Fifth Monarchists led by Harrison who were organised and powerful.
29
What was negative about the nominated assembly?
It lacked popular legitimacy (as it was nominated not elected) and alienated non members of the political nation due to its religious radicalist nature.
It also failed to address political and economic issues exposed by the Dutch War.
30
What did the radicals push for in the nominated assembly that led to its downfall?
The radicals pushed for the abolishment of Tithes and cut army pay. This was provocative to a group the assembly was reliant on (the NMA).
**Reforms were starting to seem too radical again and so the moderates (who never really supported the assembly) outvoted the radicals** to hand power back to Cromwell where he was established as Lord Protector in the instrument of Government.
31
What did Cromwell say about the nominated assembly?
Cromwell later stated that if he allowed the continuation of the Nominated Assembly, it would have resulted in the** “destruction of all your laws and liberties.”**
They were simply too radical.
32
What did the Nominated Assembly represent in terms of Cromwell?
After the dissolution of the Rump, his own millenarianism saw him drawn to and influenced by the more radical millenarian Harrison.
The subsequent nominated assembly was thus a reflection of **Cromwell’s own religious radicalism while its removal was illustrative of Cromwell’s political conservatism.**
33
What was Cromwell generally torn between?
Cromwell remained torn between his competing religious radicalism and political conservatism.
34
How did the First Dutch War end?
**Treaty of Westminister, 1654**
35
What was the nail in the coffin for the Rump?
1) Tried to set up a comittee to judge who would be in the next parliament - Cromwell saw this as a method of the Rump contiuing its influence and lack of reform so dissolved them.
36
What did the Nominated Assembly do that was the nail in the coffin?
The radicals pushed for the abolishment of Tithes and cut army pay. This was provocative to a group the assembly was reliant on (the NMA).
37
What do some historians argue about the period following the Nominated Assembly and the Protectorate?
Some historians argue that the following **restoration period was a reaction of self-interested, financially driven conservative elite who had felt their influence undermined by the prominence of the army throughout the 1650s.**
Cromwell and the army dominated the politics of 1653 - 1660.
38
What was the instrument of government?
**The Instrument of Government, 1653**
* Britains first written consitution.
* Set legal boundaries for governance and future parliaments.
* Parliament called every 3 years - not dismissed for 5 months.
* 400 seats for England and 30 each for Scotland / Ireland
* Catholics could not vote
39
How did the Nominated Assembly get dissolved?
Cromwell and Lambert physically cleared out the radicals in Westminister with some soldiers.
Lambert then convinced the moderate parliamentarians to dissolve themselves and give power back to Cromwell in a bloodless coup.
40
Who was Lambert?
Lambert wasn't as religiously radical or millenarian as some of the more extreme members of the Nominated Assembly (like the Fifth Monarchists). While he was a committed Puritan, **he leaned more toward pragmatic governance than apocalyptic or utopian visions of the future.**
He was one of Cromwell's key advisors and wrote the instrument of government in 1653.
41
What did Lambert hope to do through the instrument of government?
Through it, Lambert hoped to make clearer the relationship between the Head of State (Cromwell), Council of State (Cromwell’s advisors) and parliament.
42
Why was the Protector Role established?
The protector role was **constructed deliberately** because of Lambert’s fears of the **potential unrestricted nature of parliamentary power**.
Parliament and Protector were to be balanced by a powerful Council Of State.
43
What did Lambert know about the army when drafting the Instrument of Government?
Lambert knew there would have to be a minority rule and that the army had to become, in effect, part of the government and legislature through the council.
The military men who had secured the victory needed protection from parliament because leading military figures (Lambert inc) did not know if a new parliament would tolerate the abolishment of the monarchy.
As a result, the army needed legal protections and institutional support to ensure that their interests were safeguarded from potential parliamentary opposition.
44
How was the Council Of State formed in 1653 different from the one set up after Charles' execution?
The one created under the Instrument of Government was a new creation, specifically designed to suit the needs of a military-dominated government. It was more powerful, autonomous, and aligned with Cromwell’s Protectorate.
It was less tied to parliament
45
What was the 1653 Council Of State?
The Council Of State would select Cromwell’s successor and guide the Protector on Policy (as well as make it!); the council was not controlled by parliament and recruited its own members who were members for life.
## Footnote
It was essentially the non monarchiarial version of the Privy council.
46
What were Cromwell's two core aims in 1653 after he accepted Lamberts instrument?
* **Healing and Settling** the nation - establishing a stable form of new government.
* **Religious and social reformation**, which meant establishing godly rule, a society dominated by Puritan ideas. He allowed toleration as long as it was withing a Protestant framework.
47
What was **settling** the nation?
The idea of settling was about establishing a lasting and stable political system after the chaos of the Civil War and the subsequent execution of King Charles I.
48
What was **healing** the nation?
Cromwell’s goal of healing was to try and reconcile these divisions (like royalists) to ensure that the country could move forward in peace, without the constant threat of internal conflict or rebellion.
His acceptance of the Instrument reflected this as it created a stable government where he could bring both sides of the factions together.
49
What happened in the months between the instrument being passed and the first protectorate parliament?
In the months up to the first Protectorate Parliament, Cromwell, Lambert and a small group of councillors ran the state.
They were most productive in producing the protectorate ordinances (laws). Most of the ordinances dealt with finance, **making the tax system more efficient.**
50
What was Cromwell's general relationship with parliament like?
Cromwell wanted to rule with a parliament and so throught the Protectorate, greeted each new parliament with an optimistic welcome.
However, the crux of the problem was that he wanted parliament but on his terms. This explains why he was not comitted to any single parliament.
51
What slightly undermined Cromwell's inital goals?
1. His closeness to the army.
2. His commitment to godly reformation.
52
What was godly reformation?
Godly Reformation was the Puritan dream of creating a morally upright, biblically-governed, and spiritually reformed England.
It shaped everything from Cromwell’s policies to the constitution to how everyday people lived under the Protectorate.
53
Explain the foundations of the First Protectorate Parliament?
* 1654 - 1655 (5 months)
* 460 seats - 30 from Scotland / 30 from Ireland.
* 1 Chamber
* elected by any (rich - ish) man who was not Catholic / Royalist 21+
54
What was Cromwell's hopes going into the first parliament?
Cromwell called the First Protectorate Parliament in September 1654, hoping it would **legitimize** the new government and **help achieve his aims** of "healing and settling" and religious reform.
He wanted MPs to accept the Instrument of Government (1653), which established the Protectorate system.
55
What were the reactions from MPs in the first protectorate parliament?
During the first protectorate parliament, Republicans attacked Cromwell’s position as protector, seeing him as an alternative monarch. They believed parliament should be the sole authority.
They saw Cromwell as monarch in all but name and resented the Council Of States new authority over them.
56
Who was the key Republic MP who argued against Cromwell in the First Protectorate Parliament?
**John Bradshaw** and others argued Cromwell had betrayed the Commonwealth ideals.
57
What were the religious tensions in the first protectorate parliament?
Some religious radicals (e.g., Fifth Monarchists) believed Cromwell was not going far enough in establishing a godly rule.
They wanted greater religious reforms, but Cromwell favored religious toleration for different Protestant groups.
Also, Cromwell's political conservatism outweighed his religious radicalism and so he preferred to stabilise his monarchy rather than supercharge it religiously.
58
What did MPs want to do in the first protectorate parliament?
| Also sign of Cromwell early on tyrannical behaviour?
MPs sought to rewrite the Instrument to limit the Protector’s powers.
**Cromwell, fearing instability, demanded all MPs sign an oath recognizing the government. 100 refused and were expelled.**
## Footnote
Cromwell's very dissolution after 5 months exactly shows how he bent the nature of the instrument by JUST following its terms (5 months till dissolution) showing maybe he wasn't fully committed to the instrument?
59
Why did Cromwell dissolve the first parliament?
Cromwell dissolved Parliament in January 1655 (after just five months) because it was **too focused on debating his authority rather than governing.**
Frustrated by Parliament’s failure, Cromwell increasingly relied on military rule, leading to the Rule of the Major-Generals (1655-1657).
## Footnote
There was also tension over religion (Biddles Case)
60
What was the significance of the end of the first protectorate parliament?
This was a key failure for Cromwell—his attempt to work with Parliament collapsed, reinforcing the tensions between his own political conservatism and religious radicalism.
His later reliance on the Major-Generals showed a shift toward authoritarian military rule, despite his original hopes for constitutional government.
61
How was Cromwell politicall conservative?
Cromwell was deeply committed to protecting property rights and social hierarchy.
He wasn’t interested in levelling society or redistributing wealth. (opposed the levellers).
He disliked extremes - like ranters.
62
Who were the ranters?
The Ranters were an extreme, free-spirited religious sect that rejected traditional authority, embraced radical personal freedom, and believed in a form of universal salvation.
Cromwell did not like - he believed in hierachy - **or more so his political conservatism did.**
63
What was biddles case?
**Biddles Case, 1654**
John Biddle was a teacher, he denied not only the trinity but also the divinity of Christ. Accused of Blasphemy by MPs, Biddle was interrogated by a parliamentary committee and the Commons declared that he should be imprisoned and his written book burned.
Cromwell blocked it and exiled him with a nice pension!
**Through the Biddle Case, parliament was attempting to enforce what it saw as its right to control religion over the protector and his council. It contributed to Cromwell dissolving them.**
64
Why did Cromwell not like Biddles Case?
Cromwell generally supported a degree of religious toleration, especially for Protestant sects. **He also believed that he, as Lord Protector, should have the final say on religious matters, not Parliament.**
However, parliament overstepped and tried to control religion themselves.
65
Who was James Naylor?
James Naylor was a Quaker leader in the 1650s known for his radical religious views and a controversial act where he re-enacted Christ’s entry into Jerusalem (riding a donkey into Bristol).
66
What were Quakers?
The Quakers (or Society of Friends) were a radical Christian movement that emphasized direct personal communion with God, peace, and non-violence. They rejected traditional clergy and church rituals.
67
What happened to James Naylor after his act in 1656?
Naylor was arrested, tried for blasphemy, and punished by being branded with a "B" for blasphemy, whipped through the streets, and imprisoned.
68
Why is the Naylor case significant?
The Naylor case showed the limits of Cromwell’s religious toleration — although Cromwell promoted religious freedom, extreme acts like Naylor’s were seen as a threat to religious and social order, and he supported the punishment.
69
Who were the triers and ejectors?
The Ejectors were tasked with removing clergy who were seen as unfit or too radical from the Church.
The Triers were a group of commissioners appointed by Cromwell to examine and approve ministers in the Church of England, ensuring they aligned with Puritan values.
**The Triers and Ejectors were part of Cromwell's effort to ensure that the clergy in England adhered to godly, Puritan standards, and to prevent radical views from undermining the government’s stability.**
70
Why were the Triers and Ejectors significant?
They represent the Protectorate's attempt to control religious life while maintaining some religious freedom — regulating ministers and ejecting those who posed a threat to the godly society Cromwell envisioned.
71
To what extent did Cromwell promote religious toleration?
Cromwell supported religious toleration for many Protestant sects but excluded extreme views like anti-**Trinitarianism (the holy trinity)** (e.g., Naylor’s Quaker beliefs) and acts seen as blasphemous.
72
What was an example of a royalist uprising that led to the major generals?
**Penruddock's uprising (1655)**
Penruddock’s rising of 1655 where he led royalists in an attempt to overthrow Cromwells regime.
73
What was the introduction of the Major Generals in 1655 in response to?
The introduction of the Major - Generals was, to a degree, a result of Cromwell’s and Lambert’s overreaction to the failure of the First Protectorate Parliament, the failure of the Western Design (An attack on the Spanish Colonies) and more directly, the apparent renewed royalist threat.
74
What was the financial problem of 1655 and how did Cromwell try to fix it?
**Finance** - The regime was increasingly financially exposed.
**The decimation tax** (10% income tax on wealthy royalists to fund local militias) was an attempt to reduce the army to a cheaper militia by shifting the tax burden for it to just ex-royalists.
75
What was the "failure of the western design"
A failed attack on Spanish Colonies - specifically Jamaica made Cromwell insecure.
76
What were the major generals reliant on to work?
The New Model Army
77
Structure of the MGs?
To establish the rule of the Major - Generals, Lambert split England into 11 areas, with 11 Major - Generals assigned to each. Major Generals were selected as leading officers in the New Model Army.
78
Policies of MGs?
They were to “endeavour the suppressing of all rebellions” with later instructions indicating the role of the MGs in promoting reformation by suppressing brothels and taverns.
| Security of the regime.
79
How did the policies of MGs vary within different generals?
MG Whalley made huge efforts to improve the bottom end of society.
MG Butler was incredibly repressive and unlawfully imprisoned many people (often royalists)
80
Summarise Major Generals?
In summary, the Major Generals enforced **Puritan morality**, crushed **Royalist resistance**, and **maintained security**. Funded by a 10% "decimation tax" on former Royalists, this military rule faced public resentment due to its strict social controls and taxation.
81
What were the political nations growing concerns around the Major Generals?
The Political Nation was concerned about the role of the military in the state, exemplified by the instrument and the personalities of men such as Cromwell and Lambert.
**Furthermore, the Major Generals’ rule posed a threat to the Political Nations control of the localities.**
Also, There was a concern that the high levels of taxation, raised to support the army, were to be permanent, most of this extra tax burden was on the Political Nation.
82
What did the decimation tax do in terms of the legitimacy of the regime?
The decimation tax under the MGs hindered the acceptance of the regime by the defeated royalists.
83
How did the decimation tax fail?
While it was targetted at royalists, it was poorly administered and so did not raise as much as expected.
It enraged the non royalist political nation because it went hand in hand with their other enforcements of strict Puritan codes (e.g., banning gambling, and drunkenness).
It was also not approved by parliament and instead approved by the council of state becoming a symbol of executive overreach.
The militia bill tried to legitmiase it in 1656 but failed and MPs critised it massively.
84
Why were fears of religious radicals growing?
The NMA were invariably linked with religious radicalism in that many radicals had been, or were, soldiers. Therefore, they protected radicals and prevented persecution.
In combination with the explosion of Quaker numbers in the 1650s meant the conservative political nation feared of a broader breakdown of order.
85
What was the Militia Bill 1656?
**Militia Bill 1656**
The militia bill in 1656 attempted to legally enforce the decimation tax. This bill would make the tax permanent, strengthening the position of the MGs massively. However, most of the MPs reacted negatively.
The Militia Bill debates were part of a power struggle at the heart of the protectorate between the military and civilians.
85
Why did Cromwell call the second protectorate parliament during the MGs rule?
He knew ruling by military force alone wasn't sustainable or popular.
He wanted legal and political legitimacy for his government and the changes he wanted to make.
Ultimately, he had never lost his desire to secure a parliamentary settlement.
The decimation tax was also not strong enough so he wanted to legitmaise it.
86
Why did Cromwell abandon the Major generals?
**The MPs unease led Cromwell to abandon the generals.**
Cromwell foresaw that the decimation tax, as an extra - parliamentary tax on Royalists to help fund the MGs, would not lead to long - term stability.
Cromwell thus showed he was willing to sacrifice the MGs and Lambert in order to get a conservative, parliamentary based settlement.
87
What was the Sindercombe plot?
**The Sindercombe Plot, 1657**
A group of radical republicans, led by John Sindercombe, conspired to assassinate Oliver Cromwell in an effort to end his authoritarian rule and restore the Commonwealth.
The plot was motivated by opposition to Cromwell's increasingly autocratic government, particularly the Decimation Tax and the system of Major Generals that many found oppressive.
88
How many people did Cromwell kill in Ireland?
VERY disputed and debated.
Probably about 300,000 - 1,000,000 people.
Deported thousands to the Carribean.
Stole crops and took to England - starved the Irish while burning down their houses.
89
What happened regarding the political landscape after the failure of the decimation tax / MGs?
In the debates on the decimation tax , **Cromwell was position himself to accept a revision of the instrument through the adoption of the Humble Petition**, a new constitution designed to **“heal and settle” by establishing a more traditional government with Cromwell at its head as *monarch*** and thereby move to reconcile the Political Nation to the regime.
90
What was Cromwells contemplation of kingship a reaction to?
The fact that Cromwell was even willing to consider kingship was part of his reaction against the MGs. He recognised the advantages it would bring in aiding settlement with traditional political nations.
91
What were the advangtages of Cromwell accepting the crown?
* More recognised form of government
* Establish a line of succession
92
Disadvantages of Cromwell accepting the Crown?
Cromwell was seen as an **usurper** (person who took force by power), so would provide a vigorous spark from Royalists who supported the Stuarts.
Opposition from republicans, NMA and Lambert.
93
How did Cromwell alienate Lambert?
Lambert was offended by Cromwell's contemplation of kingship because it represented a shift away from the **republican ideals that Lambert championed.**
Cromwell’s hesitation to accept the crown, combined with the consideration of a new system of government that could include some form of monarchy, directly conflicted with Lambert’s vision of an army-led republic.
As a result, **Lambert resigned in frustration and disillusionment**, as he saw Cromwell’s actions as a **betrayal** of the cause they had fought for during the Civil War.
94
Why would accepting the Crown aggravate the NMA?
It was political opposition but also religious.
The religious opposition to kingship from the New Model Army was based on their belief that monarchy was an unbiblical and corrupt system that violated the Puritan vision of a godly society.
95
Why did Cromwell not accept the initial offer of the Crown?
* The NMA seriously opposed it and had the threat to remove Cromwell.
* For Cromwell, the army was God’s instrument populated by the saints. Army opposition signified to Cromwell that God had judged against Kingship.
**Cromwell, while being a supporter of some forms of monarchy in a political sense, respected the deeply religious motivations of the army and their opposition to kingship.**
## Footnote
“A rational explanation of Cromwell’s refusal of the crown would assume that he feared the spread of disaffection through the army and the sects.”
96
What did Cromwell do instead of becoming king?
Cromwell accepted the Humble Petition in May 1657 after it was revised to remove kingship and to state that Cromwell would choose the next Protector.
97
Was the revised humble petition and advice significant?
The petition did not bring about fundamental change to the nature of the Protectorate.
98
What was the reaction of the Political Nation of Cromwell accepting the revised HPAA?
Republicans had naturally opposed the plan to make Cromwell king. Even though Cromwell refused the crown - republicans felt that the acceptance of the rest of the Humble Petition meant Cromwell was affirmed as “KING IN ALL BUT NAME”.
The republicans feared that Cromwell’s decisions were leading in a royalist direction
99
What happened when Cromwell died?
It left a massive power vaccum only he could fill. Instead - using his newly obtained power (from HPAA) he nominated his son, Richard to become the next Lord Protector.
100
What were the initial views of the Third Protectorate?
Despite Royalist hopes, the accession of Richard was generally accepted by many gentry who had tolerated his father’s Protectorate.
Indeed, **there was a feeling that the new Protector was more in tune with the traditional gentry**. At first the army’s response was also favourable.
Many hoped Richard would support the army, **while others may have believed he would be easier to manipulate than his father was.**
101
What were Richard Cromwells views?
Richard’s character and intended policies were more in favour of the “Civilians”.
He favoured the Parliament and relied on them more rather than the army.
102
Who were the 2 main groups opposing Richard?
* **From republicans** - They were against the Protectorate, and from Lambert, who distrusted the civilians. Republicans refused to recognise Richard as protector.
* **From the army** - Measures to restrict religious toleration provoked them.
103
How did Richard anger the army?
Parliament was filled with "Civillians" who favoured a more traditional church with less toleration for religious radicals.
Richard then began disccusing with parliament about how to settle the NMA and turn them into a more local part time entity.
This creation of the army into opposition meant he had to dissolve parliament.
104
How was there division in the NMA during Richard?
Lambert was very opposed to Richard - he felt like his republican ideals were being violated.
Other leaders like Fleetword were the opposite.
Republican propoganda exploted the Soldiers concerns over pay leading to the Rump's recall.
George Monck.
105
Who was George Monck?
NMA leader overseeing Scotland.
Helped restore Charles.
Monck saw Richard Cromwell as well-meaning but weak
106
Republicans views on Richard?
These were the old-school Parliamentarians, many of whom were basically allergic to monarchy and not thrilled about Cromwell Jr.
They wanted to keep England a republic and were suspicious of any whiff of dynastic rule.
107
Good argument about Cromwells death?
| Hint: Anarchy
Oliver Cromwell’s death had left a power vacuum, and the key groups of the Interregnum failed to produce a workable settlement. By December 1659, many people feared a slide into anarchy.
108
Who, and what did Fleetwood want?
A NMA leader - wanted a continuation of the Protectorate / Richard.
109
Why was the Rump recalled?
Republican propaganda exploited junior officers’ concerns over pay and persuaded them to force army leaders to reluctantly recall the Rump in May 1659.
110
What were the 2 reasons for the downfall of the Third Protectorate?
* Richard Cromwell being a failure.
* NMA divisions
| Richard further split the army = more pressure from that division
111
How did the Rump Form in 1659?
The New Model Army (NMA), particularly John Lambert, grew frustrated with **Richard's inability to control the army and govern**, pushing for a more republican government.
Led by **Lambert**, the army pushed for the restoration of the Rump Parliament to **reassert civilian control** and prevent a return to monarchy.
112
What is ironic about Lambert / Parliament
Republicans who fought for Parliament's power found themselves working with Lambert, a military man who had actually restricted Parliament's power in favor of military rule, showing how republicanism failed as military control became more prominent.
Lambert was a republican but he championed army rule - therefore he still limited parliaments power in things like the MGs.
113
Who was Haselrig?
Haselrig was a leading republican MP in the 1659 Rump.
114
Lambert VS Haselrig
Both republican but rivals over the view of military involvement in politics.
Lambert was a NMA leader so he wanted their power to remain. On the other hand, Haselrig and the leading republican politicians of the Rump did not, however, **recognise their dependence on the army and sought to assert their political authority**.
Furthermore, they showed no real inclination to satisfy the soldiers’ material grievances.
115
What petition did Lambert present?
Lambert presented the new petition, the **Humble Petition and Address of the officers**, to the recalled Rump.
116
What was the **Humble Petition and Address of the officers?**
Lamberts proposal to the Rump in May 1659.
It included 15 articles outlining the “fundamentals of our Good Old Cause” **notably a senate to protect the army’s interests from parliament**.
The main opponent of the address and the army was Haselrig. Haselrig would accept no reduction of the Commons’ authority.
117
What was the Rump doing by not accepting the Humble Petition and Address of the Officers?
Haselrig and the Rump, in effect, were committing political suicide by alienating the army that they relied on.
118
What was George Booths rising?
Booth's rising was, like the risings of the Second Civil War, a reaction by previous supporters of Parliament and some Royalists against the radicalism of the army.
**Even Haselrig supported Lambert in controlling the army to shut down the rebellion - this shows how serious the Booth rising rebellion was (In Cheshire)**
Lambert ultimately made Booth and his men surrender.
119
Why were the fears over Quakers?
Reports of Lambert’s troops becoming more radical and taking up the “Quakers' cause scared many in London, as well as Monck.
This coupled with the general Quaker fear, made the regime very unstable. The Quakers provoked such a fearful reaction because there had been an explosion of their numbers from the early 1650s to approximately 50,000, that many feared they were going to take over.
120
Why were Quakers seen as a threat?
* They were gaining followers by travelling the country and spreading their beliefs.
* Some Quakers were open to the idea of armed revolution to bring about change, which scared the political and religious leaders of the time.
121
Lambert view on Quakers?
The New Model Army general Lambert, **who had a radical reputation**, was also believed to support the Quakers, which made the gentry (wealthy landowners) even more fearful.
The situation became more unstable toward the end of 1659 and into 1660, with rumors spreading that **Lambert might attempt to create a new Protectorate with Quaker support.**
122
Lamberts removal of the Rump?
On their return march from putting down Booth's rising, Lambert's army drew up the **derby petition**, expressing anger at the Rump’s failure to reform. Lambert returned to London and seized the initiative to establish the army’s position. Lambert's troops surrounded Westminster and removed the Rump.
123
Why did Monck Defect?
With power in its hands, as in 1653, the army once more showed its limited interest in politics. They were not willing to establish a blatant military regime. **The Committee of Safety was set up by the Council of Officers as a provisional government, but it was not a truly revolutionary regime.**
However, to the political nation, this committee **appeared to be imposing direct army rule**. So even with such moderation, George Monck decided to defect and declared his support for the Rump to be reinstated.
| Basically, the army were overeaching
124
Why did the Rump get recalled in late 1659?
Lambert and the army were seen as establishing a military dictatorship. Lamberts dissolution of the Rump showed this overreach.
125
Explain how the Rump got reinstated in December 1659?
In December 1659, the Rump was reinstated by **three** regiments of the army that did not agree with Lambert's stance.
Monck came down from Scotland and held talks with the remerged Fairfax where they likely spoke about restoring the Monarchy to create stability.
126
What happened in the restored December 1659 Rump?
When the yet again restored Rump did not offer this stability by returning the monarchy, Monck forced the Purged MPs from 1648 back into the Rump - ressurecting the Long Parliament who were more moderate and reasonable.
The traditional Political Nation were determined to seize the chance to reassert themselves for the first time since 1648.
127
How did Monck and Fairfax work together to get rid of Lambert?
Fairfax came out of retirement in Yorkshire, raised forces in support of Monck, and helped undermine Lambert’s army, accelerating the collapse of military power.
Monck was marching down from Scotland with his branch of the neutral NMA.
128
What is the significance of Cromwells death in terms of monarchy?
Before his death practically no one thought about restoring the monarchy - after his sons resigniation it started to seem reasonble.
This shows how Cromwell failed to produce a lasting settlement that would outlast even him.
129
Summary argument about O.Cromwell and settlement?
Cromwell failed to produce a lasting settlement that would outlast even him.
Internal instability meant that Cromwell was not able to negotiate a remarkably successful settlement due to the army and parliaments conflicting views of what that settlement should be.
