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The first Protectorate Parliament 1654-1655
Despite some initial success (84 ordinances were issued), the First Protectorate Parliament faced the same fundamental issues as the Rump:
1) lack of trust and support from nation
2) the necessity to maintain large standing army which served basis for their power, and also was a source of mistrust and fears
3) royal threat -
Division in the Parliament
The parliament displayed none of the harmony that Cromwell had hoped for. Attempts were made to reduce the size of army, ideas of religious liberty were attacked as well.
On top of this Cromwell faced a bitter resentment from the MPs he excluded from power after the dissolution of the Rump. They refused to accept Instrument of Government. -
Dissolution of the Parliament - January 1655
The parliament was destabilised as 100 MPs refused to recognise the Instrument of Government which served as a constitutional basis for the Protectorate.
Frustrated by parliament’s attitudes Cromwell dissolved it in January 1655. -
The rule of Major-Generals (1655-1656)
In the spring of 1655 royalist rising broke out in Wiltshire. Although it was easily suppressed, Cromwell decided that a greater control of provinces was needed.
He imposed centralised military rule across the country by dividing it in 11 districts each under command of major-general. -
Reforms carried by Major-Generals
The Major-Generals were responsible for local government and security, but were also encouraged by Cromwell to attempt the “reformation of morals”.
The effectiveness of their rule was mixed, for example Worsley closed 200 alehouses in Lincolnshire and Whalley suppressed traditional entertainments including stage plays and horse racing. Unsurprisingly those reforms didn’t won the Major Generals popularity. -
End of the rule of the Major-Generals.
While the Major-Generals proved to be reasonably efficient, their military nature and restrictions imposed over social activities were unpopular.
Hence when the Second Protectorate Parliament insisted on their removal in 1656, Cromwell chose to agree. -
The Second Protectorate Parliament (1656-1658)
The Second Protectorate Parliament met in September 1656.
In March they presented Cromwell with the Humble Petition and advice which offering him Crown.
By offering Crown MPs sought to direct Cromwell’s powers into traditional channels which would define and limit his powers by law. -
Humble Petition and Advice
Strong opposition from the army and religious radicals persuaded Cromwell to refuse kingship offer. He did however accept the office of Lord Protector for life and idea of hereditary succession.
It is highly likely that Cromwell sympathised with the idea - at installation ceremony in June 1657 Cromwell was wearing a robe of purple velvet and carrying a golden sceptre. -
Death of Cromwell
Cromwell died in September 1658 and was succeed by his son, Richard.
Richard had little political experience. On top of this he was civilian and had no strong links with the New Model Army.
Richard was forced from office by the army leaders in 1659 and then recalled the Rump, who proved to have learned nothing from their earlier failures. -
The end of Protectorate 1653-1660
A period of chaotic instability followed. Order was restored by General Monck who marched forces towards London in January 1660 after an attempt by the army to remove Rump led to the riots.
Elections were held for a new parliament. And in April 1660 Convention Parliament (so called because it was not summoned by the king) was presented with a copy of Declaration of Breda issued by Charles II.
As a result of future negotiations Stuart monarchy was restored.