Cromwell's personality and approach to government

Question 1

Approach to government

• Reform the law

Answer 1

Cromwell was keen to reform the law and was strongly opposed to severe punishments for minor crimes. The resistance of lawyers eventually dampened his enthusiasm for his this reform

Question 2

Limits of religious toleration

• Commissions of Triers and Ejectors 1654

Answer 2

Cromwell established Commissions of Triers and Ejectors in 1654 to vet members of the clergy. In five years, judgments were passed on 3,500 clergy, with many being expelled

Question 3

Limits of religious toleration

• Nayler case 1656

Answer 3

He was accused of blasphemy and some MPs called for him to be executed. He was publicly flogged and imprisoned

Question 4

Limits of religious toleration

• Laws against Catholics

Answer 4

Cromwell issued an order in January 1654 stating that the laws against Catholics enacted under Elizabeth and James were to continue

Question 5

Foreign policy under the Protectorate

• Aims

Answer 5

Under the Protectorate, foreign policy became more proactive and focused on both the protection of English interests abroad and the acquisition of new territory

Question 6

Anglo-Spanish War 1654-1660

Answer 6

It was started due to commercial rivalry

Question 7

The aim during the First Protectorate Parliament 1654-1655

Answer 7

As Lord Protector, Cromwell wanted to enact a ‘reformation of manners’ by improving moral behaviour.

Question 8

Success of the First Protectorate 1645

• Ordinances

Answer 8

84 ordinances were issued pertaining to moral

Question 9

Success of the First Protectorate 1645

• Postal servies and roads

Answer 9

Postal services were improved, and the maintenance of roads was pirotriorised

Question 10

Success of the First Protectorate 1645

• Blasphemy

Answer 10

Laws were passed to prohibit blasphemy and drunkenness

Question 11

Opponents of the First Protectorate 1645

Answer 11

A number of republican MPs who felt excluded from power as a result of his preference for his military associates refused to recognise the Instrument of Government.

Question 12

Cromwell and military support

Answer 12

Cromwell had always relied on the support of the military in order to maintain himself in power

Question 13

Penruddock’s Rising 1655

Answer 13

A Royalist rising broke out in Wiltshire and was easily defeated. Cromwell decided it showed that greater control of the provinces was needed

Question 14

Military government

• How it worked

Answer 14

Cromwell imposed centralised military rule over the entire country by dividing it into eleven districts, each under the command of a Major General.

Question 15

Major Generals

• Responsibility

Answer 15

They would be responsible for local government and security, and were encouraged to attempt a reformation of manners across the social spectrum.

Question 16

Major Generals

• Pay

Answer 16

The Major Generals were to be assisted in their task by a new militia, to be paid for by a 10% tax on the estates of Royalists

Question 17

Reasons for failure

• Low standing

Answer 17

The low social standing of some of the Major Generals caused resentment from gentry under their control

Question 18

Reasons for failure

• Enforcement

Answer 18

The replacement of local elites by outsiders imposed by central government was unpopular

Question 19

The Second Protectorate Parliament 1656

• Election

Answer 19

Elections were held in the summer of 1656. The Council of State excluded 199 known opponents of one-man rule who had sat in the First Protectorate Parliament

Question 20

What did the Second Protectorate Parliament in 1656 aimed to do

Answer 20

This more compliant parliament passed social reform Acts at improving the efficiency of poor relief and providing more employment