1. The Commonwealth Flashcards
What were the attempts made from 1649-60 to establish a stable and accepted republican regime?
The Commonwealth:
. The Rump Parliament - 1649-53
. The Nominated Assembly - 1653
The Protectorate:
. The 1st Protectorate Parliament - 1654-55
. The Rule of the Major Generals - 1655-57
. The 2nd Protectorate Parliament - 1656-58
The Restoration
What was the Rump Parliament and what did it do?
After Charles I’s execution, Cromwell and his supporters tried to broaden support for the government by allowing many MPs back into Parliament. This reinforced tension between Parliament and the NMA as conservative MPs had been reintroduced and were unlikely to enact reforms. The Rump abolishes the Monarchy in May 1649 and declares England to be a Commonwealth. The HOL is abolished and the Council of State is created.
What were the issues that the NMA faced in Ireland?
After the Monarchy had been abolished and the Commonwealth declared, the threat of a possible Irish invasion troubled the Rump. Cromwell landed in Ireland in July 1649 and set about restoring English rule. The garrison at Drogheda was brutally massacred as it refused to surrender and a smilier fate befell the town of Wexford. Cromwell left his generals to finish the subjugation of Ireland and returned to England in 1650.
What were the issues that the NMA faced in Scotland?
Scotland was a grave threat to Republican rule. They were led by Officer David Leslie who handed over his powerful army to Charles II. Cromwell defeated the Scots at the Battle of Dunbar in 1650 and in 1651 he destroyed Charles II’s armies at Worcester. Charles II then fled to France and spent the next 9 years in exile.
Why did Cromwell impose himself in the political process?
Cromwell became Commander-in-Chief of the NMA in 1650 to lead the campaigns against the Scottish and Irish. Once he returned to London in 1651, he began to impose himself directly into politics.
Why did the 1652-54 Anglo-Dutch War begin?
Driven by commercial rivalry, the Dutch claimed exclusive rights to finishing in the North Sea, while the English demanded recognition of its sovereignty in the English Channel. England introduced the Navigation Act in 1651 which said that items had to be brought into English ports by either English ships or ships from the product’s country of origin.
Why did the Rump Parliament fail to command widespread support for its rule?
. The Conservative nature of many MPs blocked reform from occurring.
. It’s limited finances, which meant MPs were less inclined to initiate reforms.
. The threat and wars in Ireland and Scotland which consumed resources.
. The fear of radical religious groups.
. Fear of the NMA after Pride’s purge.
. The Dutch War which began in 1652, which led to a strain on resources and trouble for the economy.
. The 1651 Act of Oblivion failed to reconcile Royalists to the Commonwealth, and the 1650 Oath of Allegiance failed to promote genuine loyalty.
Who ended the Rump Parliament?
In 1653, Cromwell believed that the Rump was trying to extend its life so he dissolved it by force - some believe he was pressured to do so by the NMA.
What was the Nominated Assembly and what did it do?
The Nominated Assembly (aka the Barebones Parliament) was composed of members nominated by the government. These members were religious radicals who were determined to establish godly rule. The combination of radicals and conservatives inside Parliament led to gridlock and tension. However, the Assembly legalised civil marriage, reform the revenue system and create registers for births, marriages and deaths.
What was the 1653 Instrument of Government?
Introduced by Major-General John Lambert, the Instrument of Government was a written constitution that wanted to replace the Commonwealth with the Protectorate, the Council of State was to carry out Government, Parliament was to be elected triennially and Cromwell was to be installed as Lord Protector.
Why did the Nominated Assembly fail?
The Nominated Assembly lost the support of the political classes with its more radical proposals e.g the abolition of the tithe. In December 1653, the Assembly’s powers were handed back to Cromwell by the conservative members of the Assembly.
