handy revision guide for learning about the commonwealth and protectorate, with detailed notes about the events after the civil war
applicable to the OCR A level unit: Source- The Execution of Charles I and the Interregnum 1646–1660 and any units on the Commonwealth and Protectorate
Religious and Political Issues faced by The Rump
the Rump declared itself to be the sole legislative authority
elected a Council of State to take charge of government whilst reserving legislative
and supervisory powers to the Rump as a whole
any member that registered opposition to the Commons vote to continue
negotiations with the former King was allowed back in
Lack of Planning
supporters of the new regime often had very different visions of what the
Commonwealth should be
the Rump was focused on ensuring stability and calming conservative fears
the army and other radicals visualised a much greater social transformation
Support of the minority
only a minority supported the new regime
rump had to gain the confidence of the traditional ruling class to help them rule the
localities
regime couldn’t survive without military support, but the army was expensive,
unpopular and radical which alienated potential supporters from the regime
Leveller Opposition
felt uninvolved in decisions surrounding the trial
hoped a new version of the Agreement of People would form the basis of the new
constitution
tried to use the army and incite soldiers into mutiny {rebellion}
mutinies- some took place, but Leveller leaders were arrested and mutinies were
suppressed at Burford in Oxfordshire by Cornwall
calls for radical reform continued in the army
Irish Opposition
threat of Royalist invasion
charles’ execution united Irish Anglicans and Catholics, which enhanced the
possibility of an invasion by Charles II with foreign help
defeat of Levellers allowed Cromwell to land In Ireland and imposed a brutal and
rapid peace on Ireland
Scottish Threat
possessed a formidable army which they placed at the disposal of Charles II
Dunbar- English army were trapped and deprived of supplies, weakened by
disease
September 1650- impatience of the Scots and a counter assault by Cromwell led to
a victory, convincing Cromwell of God’s blessing on the new Republic
September 1651- Cromwell destroyed the Royalist army at Worcester
Diggers
claimed communal use of land as the earth was made by God for all humanity to
share
religious sects were developing rapidly
Support for the Monarchy
charles claimed his trial was illegal
his courage in the face of death restored respect for him and the monarchy, and
Royalist propaganda capitalised this
The Rump Religion
1649-1653 statutes compelling attendance at Church were repealed, providing a degree of
religious freedom
Commission for the Propagation of the Gospel in Wales 1650- got rid of
ministers who were considered unfit, was due for renewal in 1653 but was allowed
to lapse
Blasphemy and Adultery Acts 1650- legislated against more extreme sects {Fifth
Monarchists}
some MP’s wanted to preserve a national church finances through the tithe {10% of
earnings to be given to the church}
larger parishes were to be divided and smaller ones united
Law
laws on debtors were eased
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