In this engaging discussion, Professor Alice Hunt, an expert in 17th-century British history and author of "Republic, Britain's Revolutionary Decade 1649-1660," sheds light on Oliver Cromwell's rise to power. The conversation explores Cromwell's dramatic coup against Parliament, his controversial governance as Lord Protector, and the fragile political landscape of the time. Hunt reveals the complexities of Cromwell's legacy, including his challenges with succession and the implications of his refusal of the crown, all amid England's revolutionary transformations.
Cromwell's establishment of the Protectorate marked a pivotal shift from republicanism to individual leadership with a written constitution.
The disastrous Western Design campaign highlighted the challenges Cromwell faced in balancing domestic governance with imperial ambitions and military endeavors.
Deep dives
Cromwell's Shift to a Protectorate
In 1653, Oliver Cromwell's dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of Parliament led him to dissolve it and establish a new form of governance known as the Protectorate. This shift involved the creation of the Barebones Assembly, a nominated group of individuals rather than an elected body, which struggled to gain legitimacy and public support. The situation highlighted the difficulties of maintaining a stable government in a time of rapid change, leading to John Lambert's proposal for Cromwell to become Lord Protector, a role that was designed to provide individual leadership without reverting to a monarchy. Cromwell's acceptance of this position marked a significant moment in British history as it resulted in the country's first written constitution, emphasizing governance based on protection rather than hereditary rule.
Cromwell's Military Ambitions and Failures
In 1655, Cromwell launched the Western Design, an ambitious military expedition aimed at conquering Spanish territories in the Caribbean, particularly Hispaniola, motivated by anti-Catholic sentiment and imperial ambitions. However, the campaign was disastrous due to inadequate preparation, leading to significant losses among troops and ultimately forcing a retreat to Jamaica, which was less fortified. While Britain eventually established a foothold in Jamaica, the failure in Hispaniola was a major setback for Cromwell, diminishing his reputation and revealing the challenges of sustaining military endeavors abroad. This experience underscored the complexities of balancing domestic governance while pursuing territorial expansion during a tumultuous period.
Religious Toleration and the Changing Landscape
The 1650s witnessed a significant transformation in England's religious landscape, partly driven by a growing millenarianism and a strong desire for religious freedom. Cromwell endorsed a degree of tolerance, allowing various Protestant sects and, notably in 1656, the return of Jews to England after centuries of expulsion, despite persistent anti-Semitism. This era also saw the rise of Quakers, who promoted unorthodox beliefs and challenged traditional worship practices, prompting divisions within Parliament over how to manage these emerging forms of worship. As a result, the religious environment became more diverse and complex, laying the groundwork for future discussions on freedom of worship and contributing to the evolving nature of English society.
Four years into Britain's experiment as a republic, Oliver Cromwell staged a coup, violently dissolving parliament. His “Bare Bones Parliament” would not last either and, in December 1653, a new kind of limited monarchy was proposed with Cromwell as “Lord Protector.”
In this second of our series looking at the 1650s, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined again by Professor Alice Hunt to pick up the story of Britain as it moved from republic to protectorate, under the rule of Oliver Cromwell.
Presented by Professor Susannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Alice Smith, audio editor Joseph Knight and the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.
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