Protectorate Flashcards
Why was Lambert pleased that Barebones was dissolved?
Major-General John Lambert worked on a new written constitution with limited monarch, but Cromwell rejected this. On 10 Dec, 53, MPs had the first clause of a report regarding tithes rejected. The moderates met on Monday and condemned radicals for opposition to tithes, monthly assessment, church etc. Barebones was dissolved and Lambert was pleased.
What was the structure of the Instrument? (first Parl Sept 1654-Jan 1655)
The Instrument had Cromwell as Lord Protector, with triennial Parliament, royalists denied franchise for first 4 elections, 30 seats for Scots+Irish, and 400 seats for England, Wales etc. Cromwell had a 30,000 standing army, and could veto legislation violating the Instrument. Cromwell, upon his death, would be succeeded by someone elected by the Council of State. Religious liberty was allowed, but limited with regards to Popery. At his ceremony, Cromwell wore a plain black suit and cloak, committing to defending people’s rights and veering from tyranny.
In the first Parliament what repressive treatment was shown to religious groups?
Charles Fleetwood was Lord Chancellor, Ireland, and Scotland had union. Catholics in Ireland sent to Connacht. A Commission of Triers screened Independents (Congregationalists), Presbyterians, and Baptists and Ejectors, a second ordinance, was passed to remove incompetent ministers.
In the first Parliament, what progressive behaviour did Cromwell display?
Cromwell was tolerant of religion, extending even to Catholics, provided there were no religious conspiracies. Outside Ireland, nobody was tried by court martial or killed for political offence unless he planned assassination of Cromwell.
How many ordinances were passed in the first Parliament, and who worked closely with Cromwell?
200 ordinances passed in 9 months, and Cromwell met regularly with inner group of civilians, John Thurloe his Principal Secretary, and Bulstrode Whitelocke, legal adviser. He blamed unpopular decisions on the Council although he initiated policy.
Why did Cromwell dissolve the Parliament?
First elections 1654, Cromwell discussed revolution almost getting out of hand. Within days, MPs debated amendment to the Instrument, to which Cromwell claimed Barebones had been too radical, government was to be a single person and parliament, militia left, free religion, and a moderate Parliament. 80 who didn’t sign Recognition barred, and the army had three colonels sign a quarter demanding reduced power of Lord Protector and a Parliament elected by Agreement of the People, Leveller John Wildman. Cromwell resolved to dissolve Parliament at Whitehall.
Why did MG rule start? (1655)
Royalist groups such as Sealed Knot and the royalist Penruddock’s rising led to Cromwell establishing 12 associations which divided the country, led by a major or deputy major general. 6000 in select militia to counter protests, and standing army cut. Major-General John Lambert was responsible, pushing a decimation tax for royalists worth £100+ a year to pay 10% of it in tax. This abandoned healing and settling. Tax was also unparliamentary. Many royalists dodged payment.
In the MG rule (1655-56), how was immoral behaviour reduced? (what did Sir John Barkstead, an MG, do?)
14,000 suspects of royalist rebellion were tied to good behaviour and a national register office in London to monitor royalists. Cromwell opposed Christmas, and had national days of fasting, and cut down alehouses. Sir John Barkstead - MG - ordered arrest of ‘loose wenches’ and prostitutes, London. Helped by Colonel Thomas Pride, he shut down Bear Garden in bankside, holding dogs, bears, and cocks, and stopped a Shrove Tuesday cockfight in Stepney.
What were accomplishments obtained from the MG rule?
Ended poverty and improved harvest. 130 ministers ejected in 10 months. Cromwell claimed England stronger in virtue, but people celebrated Christmas, Easter, + Whitsun and continued maypole dancing. Illegitimate birth rate fell to 0.5%, lowest.
1656 Readmission of Jews, requested by Amsterdam rabbi Menasseh Ben Israel in petition. Protection for Jews, public synagogues, a Jewish synagogue. Ben welcomed at Whitehall, but London merchants feared competition. Council of State stalled it.
What happened at Sept 1656 elections for the second Parliament?
Cromwell urged for elections to be held. Bitter republicans and crypto-royalists elected. 1/4 of 400 MPs barred from sitting, all major-generals but one elected and regular army officers. Cromwell justified unpopular decimation tax. John Disbrowe, MG, failed to pass bill for permanence of tax. Cromwell realised rising power of MGs who may threaten him, civilian MPs wanted him to be king.
When was Cromwell presented with the Humble Petition and Advice?
Remonstrance presented to Parl on 23 Feb 1657, John Thurloe, Cromwell’s secretary, with courtiers Lord Broghill and others, distracted army with royalist invasion rumour to make Cromwell king. Humble Petition and Advice submitted to Lord Protector on 31 March to free Cromwell from army clutches and establish medieval government without arbitrary factors.
What rights did Cromwell gain from the Humble Petition?
Cromwell gained rights to veto parliament legislation, control armed forces, control war and peace, and appoint judges/officers of state. Expected to govern with two-chamber Parl. Triennial Parl and House of Commons to control tax, ending decimation tax threat. House of Commons to approve peers and appointment/removal of councillors/army control consented by both houses. Parliament gained more power. Godly opposed the move against Providence.
On 3 April, what title did Cromwell reject, (1657)?
On 3 April to the Committee Appointed to Attend His Highness, Cromwell announced he couldn’t take title of King, and announced this to Commons 5 days after. On 20 April he repeated his refusal, delaying the petition in order to obtain lay preachers, an upper house, and power to choose his successor, alongside curbing council power.
When did Cromwell become Lord Protector, (1657)?
Cromwell accepted the role as Lord Protector under the Humble Petition and Advice after 8 May and had a coronation. A third of his 63 nominations for the second House refused, alongside 2/7 nobles. Many elected were his Commons support, draining faith in the Lower House. July 1657, MG John Lambert fired for opposing constitution, and army opposition. Council deprived power to exclude MPs from Parliament, causing disaffected republicans to flock to his side. Republicans attacked Humble Petition.
When did Cromwell end the second Parliament?
4 Feb 1658, Cromwell was stopped on his way to Commons, told by MG Charles Fleetwood not to dissolve Parliament. Cromwell was seen as a poor Parliamentary manager, but had recognised Parliament’s influence and representation of the country. Healing and settling conflicted with religious freedom, godliness, and liberty of conscience.
