Why did the Rump Parliament end?

Why was the Rump Parliament so conservative?

• Individual MPs were conservative - 22/41 members of the Council of State refused to swear an oath approving of the regicide
• Threats to security made consolidation a priority rather than reform - Irish/Scottish threats
• Economic factors limited funds - inherited debt and facing the worst economic crisis in years
• Fear of radical religious groups led to a fear of religious reform
• The Dutch War (1652-54) diverted focus and resources

The army, the Political Nation and Parliament

• The army: many in the army were political/religious radicals who wanted an end to the established church, greater social justice, liberty of conscience and the creation of a 'godly community' to govern
• The Political Nation: all the political changes and radical ideas created unrest; they wanted a return to order and stability
• The Rump: they were caught in the middle: they needed the Political…