Personal Rule to Restoration 1629–1660 (J410/13) - The nature and extent of political and religious change 1649–c.1660 — OCR GCSE History
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Personal Rule to Restoration 1629–1660 (J410/13) - The nature and extent of political and religious change 1649–c.1660 explained
This topic traces how power was shared, contested and finally handed back between 1649 and 1660.
Read the full explanation
After Charles I's execution the Rump Parliament governed while Cromwell led the army; tension grew until Cromwell expelled the Rump in 1653. Under the Instrument of Government Cromwell became Lord Protector, sharing authority with a Council and Parliament, and in 1655–1656 the country was divided into districts run by Major Generals. The Humble Petition and Advice (1657) offered Cromwell the crown, which he refused, though he accepted a revised constitution. After Cromwell died in September 1658, his son Richard and successive parliaments and army groups tried to reach a settlement until April 1660, when the monarchy was restored with terms set out around Charles II's return.
Your focus
- Identify the main constitutional changes between 1649 and 1660.
- Distinguish the Instrument of Government from the Humble Petition and Advice.
- Place the restoration of the monarchy at c.1660 within the sequence of events.
Personal Rule to Restoration 1629–1660 (J410/13) - The nature and extent of political and religious change 1649–c.1660 exam tips
Marking Points
- Identifies that the Rump Parliament governed after 1649 while Cromwell relied on the army for power.
- Explains that Cromwell expelled the Rump Parliament in 1653, ending that partnership.
- States that the Instrument of Government of 1653 made Cromwell Lord Protector with a Council and Parliament.
- Describes the rule of the Major Generals in 1655–1656 as districts governed by army officers.
- Recalls that the Humble Petition and Advice offered Cromwell the crown, which he declined.
- Outlines the attempts at settlement between September 1658 and April 1660 after Cromwell's death.
- Identifies that the monarchy was restored around 1660 with terms agreed for Charles II's return.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Learn the key dates 1653, 1657, 1658 and 1660 and attach one event to each.
- 💡Distinguish the Instrument of Government from the Humble Petition and Advice by their year and purpose.
- 💡Read each option fully before choosing, since distractors often swap Cromwell's acceptance and refusal.
Common Mistakes
- Confuses the Rump Parliament with the later Protectorate Parliaments; keep the 1649–1653 body distinct from those summoned under the Instrument of Government.
- Claims Cromwell accepted the crown under the Humble Petition and Advice; remember he refused it.
- Dates the restoration to 1658; place it at c.1660 after the settlement attempts that followed Cromwell's death.