The nominated assembly 1653 Flashcards
How were members for the nominated assembly chosen?
They were nominated, not elected. All members of the body were ‘persons fearing god with approved integrity and honesty.’ Cromwell thought the best way to solve England’s problems was to entrust government to the godly.
Was the assembly meant to be permanent?
No, it had fixed November 1654 as its dissolution date.
What was one of the assembly’s first acts?
They appointed a council of state of 31 officers and declared itself to be a parliament, the latter annoyed Cromwell.
What was the main issue with the assembly?
It contained a minority of very vocal fifth monarchists who refused to be overawed by the military, they demanded the sweeping away of all man made laws. They threatened the social order.
How did the moderates react to the extremists?
They eventually became exasperated with them, so met in a secret session in December and voted to end the assembly, giving back Cromwell the power he had given them.
What were some of the measures the assembly had proposed?
- Reform of the law on debt. 2. Humane treatment of the insane. 3. Civil registration of births, deaths and marriages. 4. Protection for travelers on highways.
What weakened the nominated assembly?
It’s failure to reconcile social conservatism with religious radicalism.
Which of the assembly’s proposals had particularly annoyed Cromwell?
The one to end the monthly assessment (which helped to fund the army), he interpreted this as an attack on the army.
Did Cromwell know about the moderates’ maneuver to end the assembly?
He claimed not to, but this is doubtful, he certainly knew about the instrument of government, a new constitution that had been drawn up before the assembly dissolved itself.
What happened after the dissolution of the nominated assembly?
Cromwell accepted the instrument of government and within four days he had been instilled as lord protector.
