Richard Cromwell’s protectorate 1658-59 Flashcards
What did Richard inherit?
A power vacuum in which the army, the republicans, the Presbyterians and the radical sects vied for power.
What gave the royalists hope?
The Presbyterians had become more reactionary as the religious settlement they wanted had never materialized, making them more likely to unite with the royalists.
What did senior officers such as Fleetwood want?
They wanted to maintain the protectorate as they thought they could exert control over the new protector.
What did the lower ranks want?
They sided with the sects, they did not like Richard’s Presbyterianism and called for the restoration of the rump.
What did desborough and Fleetwood demand Richard do?
Give up his position as army commander, this led to him attempting to cultivate support amongst more sympathetic officers like Monck.
Why did Richard call a parliament in January?
He needed money to pay the army’s £900,000 arrears and the protectorate was in £2,500,000 of debt.
Describe what happened between the republicans and the Presbyterians at the parliament
- The republicans were extremely vocal, they attacked the protectorate and tried to drum up army support. 2. The Presbyterians reacted by proposing that the council of officers should only sit with their permission and that they should take control of the army.
Why did Richard resign
After the proposal from the Presbyterians, soldiers and officers demanded that he dissolve parliament. Learning that England was on the verge of army insurrection, he obeyed. Little was left of his authority and he retired quietly.
List the three factors that best explain why Richard failed as lord protector
- Inability to fashion a government free from army control. 2. The strength of the Republican opposition. 3. The bankruptcy of the government.
Why else did Richard fail?
He did not have the loyalty of the army and lacked the political skills that the situation demanded.
