Cromwell's Final Years
- The Second Protectorate Parliament was called in 1656 after Cromwell called
for war with Spain.
- This Parliament was vetted from the beginning. Rather that have inappropriate
members return, Cromwell had all the candidates take the Oath of Recognition
from the outset of Parliament, thus eliminating most republican opposition
and excluding his most vigorous opponents.
- By the outset of the Second Protectorate Parliament, it was clear that the
Instrument of Government had fatal flaws. The most prominent flaw was the
omission of a successor to the Protector.
- As John Lambert's original Instrument called for rule by a monarch, in 1656-58
Parliament asked Cromwell to take the crown.