Cromwells protectorate

• When did Cromwell's first Protectorate Parliament take place?

  September 1654 – January 1655
• Why were Republicans concerned about Cromwell's position?

  It resembled a monarch's authority
• What were the main Republican concerns regarding Cromwell's authority?

  • Authority to enact ordinances without Parliament
  • Control of the army given to the Protector
  • Need to reduce the armed forces
• What was Cromwell's response to Republican concerns?

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

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

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

  Protector, Council of State, and Parliament
• What was the recognition introduced by Cromwell and the Council?

  • An oath taken by MPs
  • Required recognition of the fundamentals
  • About 100 MPs refused to sign
  • Those MPs had to withdraw from Parliament
• What were the fundamentals recognized by Cromwell's government?

  Single leader and parliament, religious toleration, militia control
• What was Cromwell's problem regarding Parliament's agreement?

  Political nation wouldn't support godly reformation
• Why were radicals unhappy with Cromwell?

  They viewed him as a monarch replacing a monarch
• Who was Biddle and what did he deny?

  Biddle was a teacher who denied the holy trinity
• What was the outcome of Biddle's case?

  He was imprisoned and his work burned
• How did Parliament's actions regarding Biddle's case relate to religious freedom?

  It enforced control over religion, contradicting fundamentals
• When did Cromwell dissolve Parliament?

  22nd January 1655
• What was the Humble Petition and Advice offered to Cromwell?

  • Offered the crown, a position of King
  • Lambert resigned from his position
  • Army opposed the idea of kingship
  • Cromwell accepted it on 25 May 1657 after revisions
• What did the army signify to Cromwell regarding kingship?

  Opposition would mean God judged against kingship
• What change did the Humble Petition bring to the Protectorate?

  It did not bring fundamental change
• How did Republicans view Cromwell's acceptance of the Humble Petition?

  They saw him as 'king in all but name'
• When did Cromwell die?

  September 1658