T1: Cromwell and Republican Rule 1653-60 Flashcards
(34 cards)
what were Cromwell’s aims?
- Godly Reformation
- To heal and settle the nation
what was the first government under Cromwell?
the Nominated Assembly
what was the Nominated Assembly also known as?
‘Barebones Parliament’
how successful was the Nominated Assembly at ‘healing and settling the nation’?
failed - members of NA clashed e.g. radical Fifth Monarchists and conservative gentry - led the NA to being dissolved by the more moderate members Dec 1653
how successful was the Nominated Assembly at enacting a ‘Godly Reformation’?
- members were instructed to enact a Godly Reformation, but most were from conservative lesser gentry- would be difficult
- introduced some moderate and relatively progressive reforms e.g. legal measures to help debtors and civil marriage
- but did not promote religious ideals that Cromwell had hoped for
FAILED
what new constitution was adopted after the Nominated Assembly failed?
constitution based on the Instrument of Government by John Lambert
what did the Instrument of Government stipulate?
- government by a single person (Lord Protector) supported by a Council of State and a single chamber Parl (Commons)
did the NMA remain under the First Protectorate Parliament?
yes - Cromwell was head
how successful was the First Protectorate Parliament at Godly Reformation?
better than Nominated Assembly:
- 84 ordinances issued e.g. banning of bear-baiting + cock-fighting. laws to prohibit blasphemy and drunkenness.
how successful was the First Protectorate Parliament at healing and settling the nation?
failed. unstable government due to resentment from MPs who had been excluded from power after dissolution of Rump - refused to recognise IofG. Caused instability. Also issue of political nation disliking the NMA.
ultimately dissolved by Cromwell Jan 1655
dates of the First Protectorate Parl?
1654- Jan 1655
what came after the failure of the FPP?
Rule of the Major-Generals and the 2PP
what caused the Rule of the Major-Generals?
- royalist uprising led by John Penruddock Spring 1655
- 14 royalist uprisings 1655
- Cromwell decided that greater control over the provinces was needed
how many royalist uprisings were there in 1655?
14
when was the royalist uprising led by John Penruddock?
Spring 1655
what did the Rule of the Major-Generals mean?
- centralised military rule imposed over entire country
- 11 districts, each under control of a Major-General
- MG supported by new militia, paid for by a 10% tax on the estates of royalists
how effective was the Rule of the Major Generals at enacting a ‘Godly Reformation’?
somewhat successful, although effectiveness of MG varied:
- ‘reformation of manners’ attempted to be enacted- incl. football banned on Sundays, drunkenness and swearing banned, fast on Xmas day
- MG Worsely in Lancashire closed 200 alehouses, whereas others neglected their duties
- Cromwell established the Commission of Triers and Ejectors to ensure only godly and competent ministers and teachers held office
how successful was the Rule of the MG and 2PP at ‘healing and settling the nation’?
- Cromwell offered crown 1657 by 2PP - evidence of success BUT also that they wanted to restrain his power
- MGs v. unpopular, so Cromwell accepted the idea of a new constitution
- FAILED
when was Cromwell offered the crown and by who?
1657, second protectorate parliament
how did the 2PP offer Cromwell the crown?
via the Humble Petition and Advice - new constitutional document
when did the 2PP give Cromwell the Humble Petition and Advice?
1657
what years was the rule of the Major Generals?
1655-57
what years was the Second Protectorate Parliament?
1656-58
what did the Humble Petition and Advice include?
- government by king (Lord Protector when Cromwell refused)
- Hereditary succession
- Parl control army, officers of state approved by Parl
- regular elections, limited religious toleration
- 2 Houses
