First Protectorate

• Who attacked Cromwell's position during the First Protectorate Parliament?

  Republicans
• Why did Republicans oppose Cromwell's authority?

  They believed Parliament should be the sole authority
• What was Cromwell's hope regarding Parliament?

  That it would lead the nation to settlement
• What was one concern of the Republicans regarding Cromwell's powers?

  His authority to enact ordinances without Parliament
• What did Republicans want to reduce?

  The armed forces
• What were the 'fundamentals' of government according to Cromwell?

  Government by a single person and Parliament
• What did Cromwell ensure regarding parliaments?

  No perpetuation of parliaments with regular elections
• What did Cromwell advocate for regarding religious beliefs?

  Liberty of conscience and religious tolerance
• Who jointly controlled the militia according to Cromwell?

  The Protector, Council of State, and Parliament
• What did the Recognition require from MPs?

  To take an oath recognizing government by a single person and Parliament
• How many MPs refused to take the Recognition oath?

  About 100 MPs
• What was Cromwell's main aim that faced opposition from the Political Nation?

  A godly reformation
• How did Cromwell's aims appear in relation to the Political Nation?

  They were seen as contradictory
• What reinforced Cromwell's reliance on the army?

  His goal of a godly reformation
• When was the First Protectorate Parliament held?

  September 1654 - January 1655
• What was the role of the Council of State in Cromwell's government?

  To assist in governance alongside the Protector
• What does the term "Recognition" signify in the political context?

  An oath recognizing Cromwell's government structure
• How did the army influence Cromwell's governance?

  It reinforced his reliance on military support
• How did Cromwell's aims differ from the traditional conservative Political Nation?

  His aim for a godly reformation set him apart
• What were the implications of MPs refusing the Recognition oath?

  It showed significant opposition to Cromwell's authority
• What was the First Protectorate Parliament?

  First parliament under the Protectorate after the Civil War
• Who summoned the First Protectorate Parliament?

  Oliver Cromwell
• What was the Instrument of Government?

  First written constitution in England
• Why did Cromwell call the First Protectorate Parliament?

  To legitimize his government and involve Parliament
• What was Cromwell's goal in summoning Parliament?

  To gain support for the republican regime
• What did the Instrument of Government require?

  Parliament to be summoned
• What was the John Biddle Case about?

  Accusation of heresy for denying the Trinity
• How did Cromwell respond to the John Biddle Case?

  He intervened and had him imprisoned
• What was the impact of the John Biddle Case on Cromwell's relationship with Parliament?

  It caused tension over religious control
• What was the general sentiment of many MPs towards the Instrument of Government?

  Many opposed it and questioned Cromwell's authority
• Who were some of the MPs that opposed Cromwell?

  Former royalists or republicans
• Why did Cromwell dissolve the First Protectorate Parliament?

  It constantly challenged his authority
• What did MPs attempt to do that frustrated Cromwell?

  They tried to rewrite the constitution
• When did Cromwell dissolve the First Protectorate Parliament?

  In January 1655
• How long did the First Protectorate Parliament last?

  Five months
• Why did Cromwell believe the Parliament was undermining the government?

  They were undermining stability during a fragile time