The Protectorate (1653-59)

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  • Created by: lou9119
  • Created on: 04-02-18 16:47

1st Protectorate Parliament (1654-55)

As LP C wanted a 'reformation of manners' by improving moral behaviour. Some inital successes for the first P: 

  • 84 ordinances were issued pertaining to moral behaviour and improving local gov and infrastructure. 
  • Bear-baiting and ****-fighting banned. 
  • Postal services improved. 
  • Maintenance of roads priortised. 
  • Laws were passed to prohibit blasphemy and drunkeness. 

Despite some success C faced fundamental problems as the R did. His concern for the army was high and as a result a number of MPs felt excluded from power and refused to recognished the IoG. He dissolved it in Jan 55.

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The Major Generals (1655-56)

C relied on support from the military, the last years of the Protectorate were marked by Royalist threat and imposition of militay gov. 

Penruddock's Rising: 

Spring 55, royalist rising by Pen. in Wiltshire and though defeated C decided it showed that greater control of provinces was needed. 

Military Gov:

C imposed centralised military rule by diving it into 11 districts each under the command of a Major General. They were responsible for local gov, security and encouraged to attempt reformation of manners. They were assisted by a new militia (paid for through a 10% tax on estates of royalists.) 

  • Lancashire: Worsley closed 200 ale houses.
  • Lincolshire: Whalley suppresed traditonal entertainments (horse racing/stage plays) 
  • Others neglected duties. Replacement of local elites was unpopular and the low social standing of some of the sem caused resentment from gentry under their control.
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2nd Protectorate Parliament (1656)

Elections held in summer 56. CoS excluded 100 opponents of one-man rule who had sat in the first P. This more compliant P passed social reform Acts aimed at improving the efficency of pooor relief and providing more employment. 

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The Humble Petition and Advice

Rule of M-Gs was unpopular was C recognised the need to compromise and accept a new constitution. The HP & A was a constitutional doc that orrered C: 

  • Gov by a King (changed to LP following decline of the crown) 
  • Lords and Commons govern with the Protector. 
  • Provision for a hereditary succession. 
  • P to control the army and officers of state to be approved also by them. 
  • Regular elections and limited religious toleration. 
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Why did Cromwell decline the crown?

By offering the crown his MPs were attempting to restore a system rather than continue with another experimental gov. 

Why? 

  • Concerned about the army's reaction. 
  • Number of commanders made it clear they would not support him. 
  • If he accepted C would be vesting more power in them than the army. 
  • He may have been concerned about about God's plan for him and this going against this. 
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