Cromwell in Ireland and Scotland 1649-52 Flashcards
What was the situation like in Ireland in 1649?
It had been in rebellion since 1641, it was the most pressing issue the rump had, so in 1649, they appointed Cromwell as lord lieutenant and commissioned him to crush the Irish.
What had happened in Ireland after the execution of Charles?
The royalist earl of ormonde had persuaded Protestant royalists in the south to join with the Catholics in a league against the English parliament.
When did Cromwell arrive in Ireland?
August 1649, he arrived south of Dublin with 12,000 well armed and disciplined men.
What were the weaknesses of Ormonde’s forces?
They lacked discipline and the steady supply of weapons that Cromwell’s had owing to their control of the Irish Sea.
What event changed the fortunes of the Irish rebels?
In November, leader of the Irish peasants Owen Roe O’Neill died, ending the hope ormonde had had that their forces could combine to fight Cromwell.
Describe the sieges of Wexford and Drogheda
At both the inhabitants put up stout resistance, Cromwell’s troops were ordered to kill all who had resisted once they had stormed the towns.
What were Cromwell’s intentions when going to Ireland?
He did not go their intent on creating a reign of terror, he was quick to punish any troops who disobeyed his orders over not ill treating civilians.
What did Cromwell think of the Irish?
He saw them as ‘anti-Christs’ who deserved to be punished in the name of god. This can be seen in the excessive violence used at both sieges, Wexford left 2000 dead.
What was imposed after Cromwell left to ensure no farther risings?
The lands of Catholics were confiscated and given to Protestant settlers. This also helped the rump to meet some of its financial commitments by giving land to soldiers to settle their arrears.
What happened to Charles after his father’s death?
Scotland declared him their king and in April 1650 he entered a covenant with them under similar terms to his father, this worried the rump.
Describe what happened to the Scottish forces?
They were crushed by Crowell had Dunbar in September 1650, many of them judged this defeat as a sign of god’s anger toward them.
What did Charles do after the defeat of the Scots?
He marched into England with a force of 12,000, hoping his actions would start a royalist rising, this was not to be.
What happened to Charles’ army?
Cromwell crushed them at Worcester September 1651, Charles fled into exile where he would remain for 9 years.
What did the rump do after the final defeat of Charles?
They declared Scotland to be fully under their authority, they abolished the Scottish parliament, reduced the power of the Presbyterian church and made the Scots pay for the upkeep of the english army.
How long did it take Cromwell to subdue the Irish?
Six months. He was recalled to England in may 1650 to deal with the Scottish threat.
