The rule of the Major Generals Flashcards
1
Q
When was there a royalist rebellion?
A
1655
2
Q
How many Major Generals were there?
A
11 across the UK
3
Q
What was the MG’s first duty?
A
Maintain order and deal with royalist sympathisers - using local militias
4
Q
What advantage did using the local militias bring?
A
Cheaper than NMA
5
Q
What else did MG’s do?
A
Enforced Cromwell’s ‘godly reformation’ by dealing with drunkenness and blasphemy
6
Q
Why did some people welcome them?
A
- Godly Puritans were glad something was being done to promote better living
- Ensured order was maintained
- Banning of entertainment meant conspirators couldn’t meet
7
Q
Why did some people dislike them?
A
- Seen as killjoys e.g. shutdown alehouses and cockfighting
- Some came from lower ranks
- Royalists needed permission from them to travel
8
Q
What impact did the MGs have?
A
Variable
- Only able to enforce Puritan standards
- Desborough failed to get funding for them after the second parliament
- Not mourned by many
