1.6.1 Role of Oliver Cromwell during republican rule Flashcards
What was the Instrument of Government? Drafted by Major-General John Lambert in 1653
A constitution that gave the republic long-term stability. The Commonwealth would be replaced with the Protectorate, government would be carried out by a Council of State, a parliament would be elected every three years and Cromwell would be Lord Protector.
What did the Instrument of government say about the structure of government? 1653 to May 1657
- Parliament
- Cromwell
- Council of state
- Religion
Lord protector (head) -> Council of State -> Single chamber parliament (460 members). Memebers were elected every 3 years by voters with £200+ of property. Sit for a minimum of five months.
Cromwell to remain the head of the New Model Army and the
next Lord Protector would be selected by the council of state. It would rule over England, Scotland, wales and Ireland
Religion - State church, Freedom of worship for all excpt Catholics and supporters of Bishops.
What were the successes of the First Protectorate? but why was cromwell pissed tho
September 1654 until 22 January 1655
- 84 ordinances were issued (the reform Cromwell desired)
These banned bear baiting, cockfighting. It improved the postal service and the maintenance of the roads. Laws were passed to prohibit blasphemy and drunkenness
–100 refused to accept the instrument of gov and withfrew rfom P. Attemps were made to reduce size of army. = c annoyed at P attitude
How effective was the The protectorate Parliament?
3 September 1654 until 22 January 1655
Faced similar issues as had faced the rump minority rule, expenses, fear off army but cromwell’s need to maintain the army.
Cromwell also faced resentment from republican MPs, angered at their exclusion from power after Rump dissolved = 100 these refused to recognise the instrument of Gov, and this had the effect of destabilising the gov = Cromwell dissolves P 1655
When was the Rule of the Major Generals?
1655-1656
Rule of the major general - members/set up
Country divided into 11 di, each led by a major- general responsiblle for local gov+ security
Rule of the major generals - actions
A ‘reformation of manners’ encouraged, across social spectrum. They were empowered to suppress taverns and brothels, and to punish adultery, blasphemy and drunkenness.
They were assisted by a new militia, to be paid for by a 10% tax on the estates of royalists
Commission of Triers and Ejectors set up by Cromwell to run church. Power to make appointment, get rd of ‘unsuitable’ candidates. Toleration + equality preaching important.
When was the Second protectorate?
1656-1658
The second protectorate Parliament members/set up
P - Mps elected on a fairly broad franchise.
A lord Protector ( king)
The second protectorate Parliament - actions
New constitution based on the ‘Humble Petition and advice’
- Gov by a king (lord protector)
- Lords and commons to govern with monarch
- Hereditary succession
- P to control the army and approve officers of state (ministers)
- Regular elec
- Some religious toleration
How effective was the second protectorate Parliament?
Cromwell offered Crown by the 2nd P which shows that there was feeling of this rule was effective
P would set laws to define the power of the crown
Return to a much more traditional gov. Could have meant greater stability
However
army, not a big fan. Cromwell rejected the crown but accepted the title of lord protector
Third Protectorate parliament dates + set up/members how effective?
jan 1659 – lord protector (Richard Cromwell)
R Crom - lack of political experience and inability to control the army = forced resign may 1659 by the council of officers who then recall the rump = even more instability
The rump dates + memebers/set up + how effective was it
may 1659-1660 Mps left at the of CW
not effective lol reinforced disunity between army and parliament
Chaos. ineffective. - Charles II called
