Reasons for the failure of the republic by 1660 Flashcards
What was Cromwell’s main problem as protector?
Despite the military power he could rely on, he had not been prepared to use it to impose a settlement to his liking.
Why was the monarchy restored?
The republic had discredited itself, the abandonment of the protectorate in 1659 left a power vacuum which successive regimes couldn’t fill. Lacking constitutional credibility and sustained only by a divided army, it had no claim to the nation’s loyalty.
What did the period 1858-60 show?
Military rule was unwelcome to the majority in those of positions of social and political influence.
Why was military rule so unpopular?
The cost of maintaining the army meant high taxation and no political settlement which involved the maintenance of high taxes would be acceptable to the established classes.
What was the dominant characteristic of the army after Cromwell’s death?
A lack of unity, rivalry amongst its leaders and unrest amongst its troops.
Why were the lower ranks so unhappy?
They were unpaid and badly provisioned, they called for indemnity from deeds done in the war and a full settlement of arrears.
What made monarchy appealing to the rank and file?
Charles II promised pay and indemnity, guarantees generals had not been able to deliver to their men in 20 years of fighting.
Why was London so important?
Since 1640 it had been the most dependable source of parliamentary strength and in the 1650s backed the various governments. Yet by 1659 many Londoners had become so embittered by the cost of military rule that they were willing to contemplate a return to monarchy.
What was Monck’s key skill?
The ability to play the role of a moderate throughout the period, this made him acceptable to the growing body of opinion that wanted peace and social stability.
How was Monck similar to Cromwell?
He could have made a bid for personal power, but seemed to genuinely wanted civilian government.
Why was Monck able to influence events?
Like Cromwell, he controlled the army. He used his military authority to impose a civilian settlement and without him, the royalists would not have been able to recover in the way that they did.
Why was the republic deemed not worthy of preservation?
It increased the financial burdens of the nation and had no answer to the great social, political and religious questions of the day.
What did the monarchy offer?
A return to political and religious stability, the establishment of the authority of the traditional ruling classes and an end to the army’s intrusion into civil affairs.
What did many people think by 1660?
The republic had outlived its usefulness and that the old order was the natural order.
What was the legacy of the revolution?
Divine right had been destroyed, the monarchy lost a lot of its power, parliament became a permanent part of government and concepts of democracy and social equality had been advanced.
