Rump's Dissolution

• What years did the Dutch War take place?

  1652-1654
• What was a source of division between the army and the Rump?

  The Dutch War
• Why did the army see the Dutch Republic as an ally?

  It was a haven for English religious radicals
• What impact did the Navigation Act of 1651 have on the Dutch?

  It caused them to lose economic advantages
• What did the Navigation Act specify?

  Only English ships could bring goods to England
• What event escalated tensions leading to war in May 1652?

  A full naval engagement occurred
• How did the Dutch War affect the army's view on funding?

  They resented money spent on the navy
• Why did the army dislike fighting against the Dutch?

  They were another Protestant republic
• What was the army's frustration with the Rump Parliament?

  Limited reform efforts by the Rump
• What percentage of Rump MPs were considered revolutionaries?

  15 percent
• What were the reasons for the Rump's conservatism?

  • Individual MPs' conservatism
  • Economic crisis limiting reform
  • Security threats from Ireland and Scotland
  • Fear of radical religious groups
  • Focus on the Dutch War
• How many MPs on the Council of State refused to swear an oath of approval?

  22 MPs
• What was the Rump's approach to broaden support?

  Inviting back expelled MPs from Pride's Purge
• What social order did the majority of Rump MPs belong to?

  Lawyers and merchants
• What was the economic situation when the Rump came to power?

  Worst economic crisis of the seventeenth century
• What was prioritized over reform by the Rump?

  Establishing the regime's security
• What was the relationship between Parliament and the New Model Army?

  Fragile, with army holding real power
• What did the Political Nation demand from the Rump?

  A return to normality
• What were the two key problems contributing to the failure of the Rump Parliament?

  1. Conservative demands for normality vs. radical minority
  2. Fragile relationship between Parliament and the army
• Why did Cromwell dissolve the Rump?

  Due to various failures and conflicts
• What were some achievements of Cromwell in foreign policy?

  • Dealt with the Ireland crisis
  • Managed issues in Scotland
  • Resolved Charles Stuart’s invasion attempt
• By what year was Cromwell considered an important man?

  By 1652
• How was Cromwell regarded as a military leader?

  Greatest general of his time
• What events strengthened Cromwell’s authority in the army?

  Fairfax's resignation and Ireton's death
• What insight did Cromwell gain regarding the three kingdoms?

  He understood England, Scotland, and Ireland
• What was a major failure of the Rump regarding national healing?

  They did not provide pensions for war widows
• How many Royalist estates did the Rump sell off?

  Over 700
• What was the Dutch War primarily about?

  Commerce and trading rivalry
• What legislation limited Dutch shipping rights?

  The Navigation Act of 1651
• What was the situation by 1653 regarding the Dutch War?

  Both sides wanted to end the war
• What was a significant religious issue faced by the Rump?

  MPs did not support radical ideas in Wales
• What was the status of the Presbyterian settlement during the Rump's governance?

  It was not repealed or developed further
• What were some demands from more radical groups during the Rump's time?

  More radical reforms were demanded
• What personal issues existed between the Rump and the NMA?

  Conflicts between Army generals and Rump MPs
• What was one of the Rump's controversial plans regarding Cromwell's residence?

  Plans to sell off Hampton Court
• What action did the NMA take regarding army regiments?

  Some regiments were demobilised
• What were some achievements of the Rump?

  • Act for Oat of Engagement (1650)
  • Act of Oblivion (1651) for Royalist reconciliation
  • Minor legal reforms:
  • No more use of Latin
  • Abolished legal privileges of MPs
  • Transferred power from church courts to common law courts
• What was a failure of the Rump regarding social and legal reform?

  Opposition from lawyers hindered changes
• What was a significant factor in the Rump's unpopularity?

  High taxation and no general elections
• When was the last general election held before the Rump?

  Since 1641