(22) Political Radicalism - political bodies Flashcards
When was the Council of State introduced?
February 1649
What was the Council of State made up of?
41 councillors
Who was the Council of State elected by?
The Rump, including peers, Commons MPs and magistrates
Who was the President of the council?
John Bradshaw
What was the attendance of the Council like?
Poor - rarely more than 15, sometimes 9!
What was the term ‘republic’ replaced with?
Commonwealth
What was the meaning behind commonwealth?
It had been used interchangeably with ‘kingdom’ and ‘realm’
How did the meaning of the Commonwealth change?
After 1649 it dropped its monarchical connections
What was on the new coins issued by the Rump?
- ‘Commonwealth of England’
- joint symbols of England (st Georges’ cross)
- and Ireland (the Harp)
What did Blair Wordern say about the name Commonwealth?
It was the most unrevolutionary term available
Who was a clear radical Republican?
Henry Marten
When did Cromwell dissolve the Rump?
20 April 1653
What were some of the Rump’s successes?
- Navigation Act 1651
- maintaining stability and order in the wake of the invasion from Ireland and Scotland
- financed the army
- change of language for legal documents from Latin to English
What became a significant political force again in 1653?
The Army
What was the ambition of the Army?
- it had grievances with the Rump
- ^ failed to provide adequate pensions
- successfully defeated Irish and Scots, brimming with confidence
How did Cromwell dissolve the Rump?
Brought in 30 soldiers
What was Cromwell’s declaration of the dissolution of the rump?
‘In the name of God - go!’
How did Cromwell elect the Nominated Assembly?
Gathered the Army council to elect 140 men from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
When did the Nominated Assembly meet?
July 1653
What were the nicknames of the Nominated Assembly?
- Barebone’s Parliament
- Parliament of Saints
What measures did the Nominated Assembly pass?
- reform of marriage law
- abolition of patronage of church living
- abolition of tithes
- more humane treatment of the insane
- tougher measures against thieves and highwaymen
- abolition of the Court of Chancery
How was the Nominated Assembly removed?
A military coup - Lambert co-ordinated that the political moderates met early in the morning and vote to disperse the Assembly
When was the Nominated Assembly removed?
12 December 1653
Who did the political moderates hand the power to?
Oliver Cromwell
