The Humble Petition and Advice: Context, Provisions, and Consequences Flashcards
What was the Humble Petition and Advice a response to?
The declining popularity of the Instrument of Government
It emerged in February 1657 as a reaction to political circumstances.
What context surrounded the introduction of the Humble Petition and Advice?
The increasingly untenable rule of the Major-Generals
This period was marked by political and religious divisions.
What did the Nayler case reveal about the Protectorate?
Divisions concerning religious toleration
It highlighted the internal conflicts within the government.
What was the key turning point for constitutional change during this period?
The failed attempt to entrench military rule through the Militia Bill
This failure had significant political consequences.
Since when had the Major-Generals ruled through military districts?
Since 1655
Their governance was characterized by military oversight.
How was the administration of the Major-Generals funded?
Through the Decimation Tax
This tax specifically targeted former Royalists.
What was the political reaction to the Decimation Tax?
It was deeply unpopular among the political elite
This led to significant opposition against the Major-Generals.
Who sought to make the Decimation Tax permanent?
Major-General John Desborough
His efforts in December 1656 triggered a political backlash.
What was the outcome of the Militia Bill in early 1657?
The defeat marked the final collapse of the Major-General experiment
It signified the end of military rule.
What did the failure of military rule lead Cromwell to do?
It pushed him into the arms of the civilian elite
This shift set the stage for the introduction of the Humble Petition and Advice.
What was the primary goal of The Humble Petition and Advice?
To stabilize the Protectorate by introducing elements of traditional monarchical governance.
Crafted by moderate civilian politicians.
What new definition did The Humble Petition and Advice introduce?
A broad yet regulated framework for religious expression, offering more clarity than the Instrument of Government.
This included provisions for religious liberty and tolerance.
What was established as a result of The Humble Petition and Advice regarding religious unity?
A national Church with a wide Confession of Faith.
This was aimed at uniting moderate Protestants under one religious framework.
How did The Humble Petition and Advice propose to reshape the executive branch?
By reducing the Council of State to resemble the traditional Privy Council.
This was intended to make the Protectorate more acceptable to the gentry.
What significant governance structure was created by The Humble Petition and Advice?
A new Upper Chamber.
This was crucial for bicameral governance and provided a counterbalance to the House of Commons.
What right was granted to the Lord Protector in The Humble Petition and Advice?
The right to nominate his successor.
This aimed to ensure a peaceful transition of power.
What was the most radical provision of The Humble Petition and Advice?
The offer of the Crown to Cromwell.
This sought to reinstate monarchy under a new guise, addressing legitimacy and governance concerns.
What was the significance of the offer of the Crown?
It reflected a widespread desire among civilian politicians to return to traditional forms of government.
What did many believe monarchy provided compared to the Protectorate?
A more stable and legitimate authority.
How did many MPs view the Protectorate?
As an unsatisfactory compromise between monarchy and republic.
What was the purpose of the Petition regarding Cromwell?
To formally recognize Cromwell as king.
Fill in the blank: The Protectorate was seen as a _______ between monarchy and republic.
[unsatisfactory compromise]
