major generals rule

• What was the primary purpose of the rule of major-generals from 1655-57?

  To enforce godly reformation
• Why was religious reformation a reason for the rule of major-generals?

  To standardize religious factions and avoid conflict
• What did the failure of the western design indicate about the need for reformation?

  It suggested that reformation was necessary
• What was the decimation tax imposed on wealthy Royalists?

  10% of annual income
• How did the decimation tax help the regime financially?

  It funded local militias and the army
• What did Penruddock's uprising in 1655 signify?

  That the royalist threat still existed
• What was the outcome of Penruddock's uprising?

  It was swiftly suppressed with little support
• What was the fate of John Penruddock after the uprising?

  He was executed for high treason
• Why was a new system of government needed during this period?

  Other parliaments had been disbanded
• How did Cromwell's role as Lord Protector differ from that of a king?

  He had no established rules or expectations
• What was the political nation's concern regarding the military's role?

  It threatened their control of localities
• What was the impact of the decimation tax on royalists?

  It made them less likely to accept the regime
• How did the NMA relate to religious radicalism?

  It was linked and prevented persecution of radicals
• What was the Militia Bill of 1657's significance for major-generals' power?

  It limited their power to avoid instability
• When was the rule of major-generals dissolved?

  In 1657
• What did the Humble Petition and Advice offer Cromwell?

  A position essentially as king
• Why did the army oppose the idea of kingship for Cromwell?

  They viewed it as a judgment against kingship
• What was the outcome of Cromwell accepting the Humble Petition?

  It did not fundamentally change the Protectorate
• How did republicans view Cromwell's acceptance of the Humble Petition?

  As affirming him as 'king in all but name'
• What type of government was established during the rule of major-generals?

  Military dictatorship
• How did Cromwell's power as Lord Protector compare to that of a king?

  He had greater flexibility and power
• Why was the Magna Carta not relevant during this period?

  Because it was a commonwealth, not a kingdom
• What was the effect of major-generals removing conservative men from local government?

  It made their rule more effective
• How did the NMA's connection to religious radicalism affect society?

  It threatened established social hierarchies
• What was the significance of Lambert's resignation in the context of the Humble Petition?

  It indicated army opposition to kingship
• How did Cromwell view the army?

  As God's instrument populated by saints