Republic: Political Divisions Flashcards
What was the Dutch War?
1652-54
NMA saw Dutch as religious allies as it had been a haven for radicals during PR
Rump’s 1651 Navigation Act stated only English ships could bring merchandise to England and its colonies e.g. North America
Damaged Dutch economy and led to a series of naval clashes until relations deteriorated to war in 1652
Army opposed war as entailed greater naval funding over the army - built up to 77 ships
What were the problems facing the Rump at the start of the Republic?
Name 2
Imminent threats from Ireland and Scotland
Economic difficulties - NMA cost £400,000 to upkeep a month, and annual deficit totalled around £700,000
How was the Rump divided at the start of the Republic?
Core of republicans remained, but reflected PN more accurately and only 15% could be described as revolutionaries
Made more conservative after invitation of purged MPs to return and imminent threats from Ireland and Scotland
Radical minority held govt control and wanted far more legal, social and economic reform
Why was the NMA frustrated by the Rump?
Give 2 points
Angry with Rump increasing funding for navy and demanding army funding be cut
NMA frustrated by lack of reform yet enacted - was convinced continuous victory meant godly reformation was necessary
What reform did the Rump enact?
Give 4 points
Ended compulsory church attendance in Sept 1650
Changed legal proceedings from Latin to English
Advanced the gospel in Wales, Ireland and the north
1650 Blasphemy Act challenged religious non-conformity
Where did the Rump fail to reform?
Give 3 points
None of the 1652 Hale Commission’s recommendations were instituted
Allowed Pres system to remain
Failed to abolish tithes
How much legislation did the Rump pass?
In 1652 only 44 Acts were made into law compared to 125 in 1649
How did Cromwell address the lack of reform in the Rump?
1650 - wrote to urge on reform, siding with the army in spite of his conservatism as he ‘valued their unity over plmt authority’
Nov 1653 - to be the set date for dissolution, but found in Apr that Rump intended to set up a committee to judge those who would be elected
Thus to stop the continuation of its power him and Harrison forcibly dissolved it 20th Apr 1653
How did plmt authority change after the dissolution of the Rump?
Army officers selected 139 MPs nominated by separatist congregations to form next plmt
5Ms as a plmt of Saints that would bring godly rule
Cromwells summons called for ‘diverse people fearing God and of approved integrity and honesty’ - experience was subordinated
What was the Nominated Assembly, its objective and how long did it last?
July 1653 - only 144 MPs compared to 507 at start of LP
Purported to reform law on debt, have civil registration, have tougher laws against thieves
Passed 30 ordinances in its 5 month lifespan
What was the composition of the NA look like?
None of their proposals were very radical, contained 76 religious moderates, though had elements that wanted to go further
Had only 13 confirmed 5Ms, well organised and managed to through controversial votes to abolish the chancery and lay patronage
Many JPs who had supported the Rump were removed from July-Oct 1653
Why was NA contentious?
Moderates were alienated by its radicalism as was the army, on whom it relied for authority, when it suggested cutting army pay
As a result, on 12th Dec 1653 moderates encouraged by Lambert, met very early and outvoted the radicals to hand back power to Cromwell
