Consolidation of the Republic

Those who carried out the execution of CI were faced with the problem of replacing him with a government. Ireland was royalist and Scotland declared CII king in Feb 49. The rump tasked itself with removing royalism from England. 

How did it do this? 

• Declared it had sole legislative authority. 
• Elected Cos (Similar to the PC) 
• March 49, monarhcy and HoL abolished
• May, England declared a 'commonwealth and free state' 

No foreign monarchies were ready to recognised Rump as legit. Navy was bosltered by builiding of 20 warships, navy provided needed support for Cromwell's expedition to Ireland and the CW against the Royalist Scots. 

• IRELAND:  C +20,000 troops landed in Aug 49 to suppress catholic Royalist sympathisers. Rebels had controlled Ireland since 1641 uprising. C, expecting swift victory, achieved success only after he stormed Dorgheda and Wexford strongholds. (Leading to controversy as he slaughtered thousands of surrenderers. Justified by 'Divine Providence') 
• SCOTLAND: C returned to England in 50 to conquer Scotland, leaving Ireton to complete the Irish campaign. The Scots, once P allies, cut ties due to the execution and assembled an army to invade. With Fairfax reluctant, C was appointed Commander-in-Chief and the CW began. There were 2 MAJOR battles: 

1) Dunbar- Scots defeated in Sept 50.      2) Worcester - Scots defeated due to dispirited troops in Sept 51. CII escaped to the Continent (OAK TREE) spent the next 9 years in exile in FR. 

• DUTCH: United Provinces was Protesnat and recognised the Rump in 51. The passing of the Navigation Act resulted in anger from the Dutch; their inability to use English ports was detrimental for thier trade and financial position. 1st Anglo-Dutch war (52-54) was ended when C signed the Treaty of Westminister in 54, hoping to forge an alliance.