Major Generals

• What was the 'Instrument of Government' established in 1653?

  It was the new written constitution.
• What powers did the 'Instrument of Government' grant to the Protector?

  Great power in the executive role.
• Who were many members of the 'Council of State'?

  Military commanders.
• How often was the Protector required to summon Parliament according to the Instrument?

  At least once every three years.
• What was the minimum time before Parliament could be dissolved without its approval?

  Five months.
• When did Cromwell's first Parliament meet?

  September 1654.
• Who were the members of Cromwell's first Parliament primarily composed of?

  Former Members of the Rump, "Commonwealthmen".
• What was the main issue discussed by Cromwell's first Parliament?

  Plans to modify the Instrument for Parliament's advantage.
• When did Cromwell dissolve his first Parliament?

  January 1655.
• What was the reaction of Cromwell's supporters in March 1657?

  They presented the Humble Petition and Advice.
• What did the Humble Petition and Advice recommend?

  That Cromwell proclaim himself King.
• Did Cromwell accept the offer of the Crown?

  No, he declined the offer.
• What did Cromwell support the creation of in Parliament?

  An 'other' house, similar to the House of Lords.
• How many people were to be chosen for the 'other' house?

  40 to 70 people.
• What was the political climate when Parliament convened in January 1658?

  There was concerted opposition to the Humble Petition.
• What did Cromwell do to the Parliament that met in January 1658?

  He dissolved it less than two weeks later.
• What did Cromwell bitterly comment when dismissing the Parliament?

  "Let God be the judge between you and me".
• How did Cromwell's handling of Parliament compare to Charles I?

  Cromwell was no more successful than Charles I.
• When did Cromwell die?

  September 1658.
• What did the Instrument of Government establish?

  It established the Protectorate under Cromwell.
• Who was primarily responsible for the coup that established the Protectorate?

  Lambert was primarily responsible for the coup.
• How did Cromwell view Lambert's coup to establish the Protectorate?

  Cromwell accepted it as a means to settle the nation.
• Who ran the state before the first Protectorate Parliament?

  Cromwell, Lambert, and a small group of councillors.
• What was the purpose of the protector ordinances produced by Cromwell and his council?

  To legislate between parliament sittings.
• How many ordinances did Cromwell bring in between December 1653 and September 1654?

  83 ordinances.
• What was the primary focus of most ordinances brought in by Cromwell?

  Most dealt with finance.
• What was the date of Penruddock’s Royalist uprising?

  March 1655.
• What was the rule of the Major Generals?

  A system of military rule under Cromwell.
• How many regions was England and Wales divided into under the Major Generals?

  11 regions.
• What was the aim of the Major Generals' rule?

  To enforce Puritan morals and keep order.
• Why was the Major Generals' rule introduced?

  Due to the Royalist threat and moral reform.
• What triggered Cromwell's fear of more rebellions?

  Penruddock’s Uprising in 1655.
• How was the Major Generals' rule funded?

  Through the Decimation Tax.
• What was the Decimation Tax?

  A 10% tax on income from Royalist estates.
• What was one reason people disliked the Major Generals' rule?

  It was seen as undemocratic and oppressive.
• What moral reforms did the Major Generals enforce?

  They banned dancing, drinking, and Christmas.
• What did Royalists think of the Decimation Tax?

  They hated it.
• What was a criticism of some Major Generals during their rule?

  Some were too harsh or ineffective.
• Who introduced the Militia Bill in 1657?

  John Desborough.
• What was the aim of the Militia Bill?

  To make the Decimation Tax permanent.