The role of Cromwell, 1640-58

Question 1

How did Cromwell emerge as a national figure?

Answer 1

Through his military success during the Civil War.

Question 2

When did Cromwell become more significant?

Answer 2

With the politicisation of the New Model Army.

Question 3

Who was arguably a bigger driving force in bringing about the execution of Charles I?

Answer 3

Henry Ireton, Cromwell’s son-in-law.

Question 4

What happened to Cromwell political influence following the execution of Charles I?

Answer 4

It was again diverted due to the necessity of him leading campaigns against the Irish and then the Scots, for which he became commander-in-chief of the New Model Army in June 1650.

Question 5

When did Cromwell once again began to impose himself more directly on the political process?

Answer 5

After the defeat of the Scots in 1651 and his return to London - this explains the dissolution of both the Rump and the Nominated Assembly in 1653.

Question 6

Cromwell hoped that the Protectorate would bring…

Answer 6

stability to political and national life, and secure the support of a broad spectrum of opinion.

Question 7

When did the First Protectorate Parliament meet?

Answer 7

September 1654.

Question 8

Did the First Protectorate Parliament display any of the harmony that Cromwell had hoped for?

Answer 8

No.

Question 9

100 members of the First Protectorate Parliament refused to accept the…

Answer 9

Instrument of Government and withdrew from Parliament.

Question 10

What attempts were made by the First Protectorate Parliament?

Answer 10

Attempts were made to reduce the size of the army, and powerful attacks were mounted against the principles of religious liberty.

Question 11

Why, and when, did Cromwell dissolve the First Protectorate Parliament?

Answer 11

January 1655

- He was frustrated by the parliaments attitudes

Question 12

What happened instead, rather than Charles calling a new parliament straight after the First Protectorate Parliament?

Answer 12

The rule of the Major-Generals

• 11 Major-Generals were appointed to rule different areas of the country
• They were to provide military security, but Cromwell’s main intention was that they would carry out a national reform of morals and behaviour

Question 13

What were Major-Generals empowered to do?

Answer 13

• Suppress taverns and brothels

- To punish adultery, blasphemy and drunkenness

Question 14

What did the Major-Generals experiment highlight?

Answer 14

The fundamental tensions between reform and stability which characterised the entire period of republican rule.

Question 15

When did the Second Protectorate Parliament meet?

Answer 15

September 1656.

Question 16

What happened in the Second Protectorate Parliament?

Answer 16

• Once again, 100 MPs were excluded

- In March 1657 parliament presented Cromwell with the Humble Petition and Advice

Question 17

What was the Humble Petition and Advice?

Answer 17

• It offered the Protector the crown of England

- Strong opposition from the army and religious radical persuaded Cromwell to refuse the offer in May

Question 18

Although Cromwell didn’t accept the Crown, what did he accept?

Answer 18

The office of Lord Protector for life, with the power to choose his successor.

Question 19

When did Cromwell die, and who was he succeeded by?

Answer 19

September 1658 - he was succeeded by his son, Richard.

Question 20

What the the problem with Cromwell’s son, Richard, picking up the title of Lord Protector?

Answer 20

He had little political experience and had no strong links with the New Model Army, the key power group.

Question 21

What happened to Richard in 1659?

Answer 21

He was forced from office by the army leaders in 1659.

Question 22

What followed after Richard’s departure?

Answer 22

A period of chaotic instability followed, caused by the inability of military and civilian groups to agree on the future government of the country.

Question 23

Who restored order after the departure of Richard?

Answer 23

General George Monck, the commander of the army in Scotland, who crossed into England in January 1660.

Question 24

What happened as General George Monck marched towards London?

Answer 24

He was presented with a large number of petitions calling for the restoration of the monarchy.

Question 25

What was the name of the new parliament that elections were held for, and why?

Answer 25

Convention Parliament - a parliament summoned without the monarchy.

Question 26

When did the Convention Parliament meet, and what did it resolve to restore?

Answer 26

April 1660 - it resolved to restore the traditional government of king, Lords and Commons.

Question 27

When was Charles II welcomed on his return to London from exile abroad?

Answer 27

29 May 1660.