Republic: Rule of MGs, Second Protectorate Parliament and Humble Petition Flashcards
How did Cromwell rely on the MGs to enforce his regime?
Placed capable men he could trust in regional seats to enforce decimation tax (10% income tax on wealthy royalists), religious reformation, stamp out royalist threat (Penruddock’s Uprising Mar 1655 - showed this was a continual threat) and held with Western Design (English failed attack on Spanish treasure ships for money)
How was the rule delegated to the MGs?
England was split into 11 regions
Instructions were written in Aug 1655 and June 1656 - urged them to prevent further rebellion and promote reformation by closing gaming houses, brothels and taverns
What kind of rule did the MGs institute?
Give 2 points
Depended on the region - Whalley made huge efforts to improve the condition of the poor, and Berry worked with 5Ms to focus on religious reformation
Press censorship began through 3 man committee, which suppressed all newspapers except 2 govt sponsored outlets
What grievances did the PN hold over the MG rule?
Give administrative, financial and religious concerns
Disliked role of military in state governance and felt their control in the localities was threatened, particularly when MGs removed conservatives from local govt to increase efficiency
Unfairly targeted by decimation tax, aimed at supporting high army expenditure - annual taxation in 1649-60 was double that from 1626-40
NMA’s link with religious radicals and the prevention of their persecution combined with explosion in number of Quakers during 50s made the PN fear social breakdown
Who were the CC led by?
Broghill
Why was the 2nd pro plmt called?
Cromwell understood a plmt settlement with the support of the PN/CC would be best for stability after the unpopularity of the MGs
What showed Cromwell’s preference for a conservative/plmt settlement over military dictatorship?
1656 Militia Bill aimed to make decimation tax permanent to strengthen MGs position, but MPs rejected this so Cromwell dismissed Lambert and the MG regime for long-term stability
How was a more traditional form of govt considered by Cromwell and CC?
During debates on Militia Bill, Cromwell considered a revision to Instrument in HP to get PN onside with more traditional govt
CC offered Cromwell the crown in HP, which would secure their support, establish a line of support and create a more recognised line of support
Who disapproved of the offer of the crown?
Royalists viewed him as an usurper
NMA e.g. Bradford sent letters saying they could not serve a king and implored him to not take the crown - felt the monarchy was tainted and ungodly
Lambert was alienated and resigned simply out of consideration of the title
Why did Cromwell reject the offer of the Crown?
Did not want to lose the support of the saints he respected and was aware of its political complications
What did the HP entail for Cromwell’s power?
Many republicans felt it made Cromwell king in all but name - increased LP power as they could select their successor and appoint councillors to CofS
What measures did the HP bring about?
Name 4
Role of army reduced with stricter spending limits of £1 mil. p/a
Religious intolerance punishable by law, but also Confession of Faith introduced by LP and plmt establishing Protestantism as the official religion - coming down on Catholics
New upper chamber of plmt with 70 members chosen by LP and plmt
Slightly more socially conservative than Instrument to gain PN support but retained radical elements - no strong CofE
When was HP accepted?
After removal of offer of Kingship Cromwell accepted 25th May 1657
When did Cromwell die?
3rd Sept 1658
