The role of Cromwell, 1640-58 Flashcards
How did Cromwell emerge as a national figure?
Through his military success during the Civil War.
When did Cromwell become more significant?
With the politicisation of the New Model Army.
Who was arguably a bigger driving force in bringing about the execution of Charles I?
Henry Ireton, Cromwell’s son-in-law.
What happened to Cromwell political influence following the execution of Charles I?
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.
When did Cromwell once again began to impose himself more directly on the political process?
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.
Cromwell hoped that the Protectorate would bring…
stability to political and national life, and secure the support of a broad spectrum of opinion.
When did the First Protectorate Parliament meet?
September 1654.
Did the First Protectorate Parliament display any of the harmony that Cromwell had hoped for?
No.
100 members of the First Protectorate Parliament refused to accept the…
Instrument of Government and withdrew from Parliament.
What attempts were made by the First Protectorate Parliament?
Attempts were made to reduce the size of the army, and powerful attacks were mounted against the principles of religious liberty.
Why, and when, did Cromwell dissolve the First Protectorate Parliament?
January 1655
- He was frustrated by the parliaments attitudes
What happened instead, rather than Charles calling a new parliament straight after the First Protectorate Parliament?
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
What were Major-Generals empowered to do?
- Suppress taverns and brothels
- To punish adultery, blasphemy and drunkenness
What did the Major-Generals experiment highlight?
The fundamental tensions between reform and stability which characterised the entire period of republican rule.
When did the Second Protectorate Parliament meet?
September 1656.
What happened in the Second Protectorate Parliament?
- Once again, 100 MPs were excluded
- In March 1657 parliament presented Cromwell with the Humble Petition and Advice
What was the Humble Petition and Advice?
- It offered the Protector the crown of England
- Strong opposition from the army and religious radical persuaded Cromwell to refuse the offer in May
Although Cromwell didn’t accept the Crown, what did he accept?
The office of Lord Protector for life, with the power to choose his successor.
When did Cromwell die, and who was he succeeded by?
September 1658 - he was succeeded by his son, Richard.
What the the problem with Cromwell’s son, Richard, picking up the title of Lord Protector?
He had little political experience and had no strong links with the New Model Army, the key power group.
What happened to Richard in 1659?
He was forced from office by the army leaders in 1659.
What followed after Richard’s departure?
A period of chaotic instability followed, caused by the inability of military and civilian groups to agree on the future government of the country.
Who restored order after the departure of Richard?
General George Monck, the commander of the army in Scotland, who crossed into England in January 1660.
What happened as General George Monck marched towards London?
He was presented with a large number of petitions calling for the restoration of the monarchy.
What was the name of the new parliament that elections were held for, and why?
Convention Parliament - a parliament summoned without the monarchy.
When did the Convention Parliament meet, and what did it resolve to restore?
April 1660 - it resolved to restore the traditional government of king, Lords and Commons.
When was Charles II welcomed on his return to London from exile abroad?
29 May 1660.
