The early protectorate 1654-55 Flashcards
Give five features of the instrument of government
- A lord protector with governmental powers, aided by a council of state. 2. A single chamber parliament to meet at least every three years. 3. The right to vote for all who had property over £200. 4. A loosely defined state church. 5. A standing army of 30,000.
How did Cromwell react to the instrument?
He speedily accepted it, having keenly supported its drafting. He also assured members of the army that he was no intending to become king, at the ceremony installing him as lord protector he wore a simple black coat.
What did Cromwell do in the nine months after he became protector?
He drafted a number of ordinances for financial reform, religious reorganization and the legal/administrative reforms first proposed by the rump.
What was the protectorate’s biggest problem?
Doubts over its legitimacy, it never received full civilian backing and was never formally ratified by parliament. It existed solely because of the army.
Descibe the composition of the first protectorate parliament September 1654
It had both Republicans and Presbyterians who gave priory to attacking the instrument, they challenged the right of the protector to exercise military authority and demanded the army be reduced from 50,000 to 30,000 men.
How did Cromwell and the parliament disagree on religion?
They voiced concerns that too much toleration was being shown, Cromwell tried to lessen this opposition by making MPs take an oath of loyalty to the protectorate, leading to 100 being excluded.
What happened to Cromwell’s ordinances?
None of them were passed, parliament then moved to try to undermine the authority granted to Cromwell under the instrument.
How did Cromwell react?
He had had enough and in January 1655 he dissolved the parliament after just 5 months.
What were Cromwell’s main aims at this time?
He wanted to heal and settle divisions and to impose godliness upon the nation.
Describe Cromwell’s religious position
He believed in liberty of conscience and freedom of worship for all save for catholics.
Which of Cromwell’s ordinances showed his commitment to religious toleration?
- An Ordinance for Appointing Commissioners for Approbation of Public Preachers. 2. An Ordinance for Ejecting Scandalous Ministers and Schoolmasters.
Who were the Triers and Ejectors?
Officials responsible for the selection and supervision of church ministers, Cromwell ensured that they came from as many different denominations as possible, they served to significantly improved the quality of the church.
Who was James Nayler?
A Quaker who had ridden into Bristol on a donkey in October 1656, imitating Christ.
What did parliament do to Nayler?
They accused him of treason and subjected him to brutal punishments such as the boring through of his tongue.
How did Cromwell react to the Nayler incident?
He was appalled by it and believed that parliament had exceeded its authority, they had gone beyond their constitutional rights and had denied Nayler liberty of conscience.
