AP Success - AP European History: Cromwell Dissolves the Rump Parliament
Oliver Cromwell, speech dissolving the Rump Parliament, 1653"It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonoured by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice; ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government; ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money. Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess? Ye have no more religion than my horse; gold is your God; which of you have not barter'd your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth? Ye sordid prostitutes have you not defil'd this sacred place, and turn'd the Lord's temple into a den of thieves, by your immoral principles and wicked practices? Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation; you were deputed here by the people to get grievances redress'd, are yourselves gone! So! Take away that shining bauble there, and lock up the doors. In the name of God, go!"
Question 1
What was the historical context of Oliver Cromwell's speech dissolving the Rump Parliament in 1653?
Cromwell was expressing his frustration with the Parliament's ineffectiveness and corruption after the English Civil War.
Cromwell was addressing the Parliament after his defeat in the English Civil War.
Cromwell was advocating for the restoration of the monarchy under Charles II.
The speech was given during the Glorious Revolution as a call for a constitutional monarchy.
Question 2
Which of the following best describes the tone of Cromwell's speech?
Condemnatory and accusatory
Optimistic and forward-looking
Diplomatic and conciliatory
Neutral and factual
Question 3
According to Cromwell's speech, what was the primary reason for his decision to dissolve the Rump Parliament?
The Parliament had refused to fund the military, leading to national security concerns.
Cromwell wanted to establish a new form of government based on religious principles.
He felt that the Parliament was too powerful and threatened his own position.
He believed the members of Parliament were corrupt and had betrayed the trust of the people.
Question 4
What does Cromwell's reference to 'Esau' and 'Judas' in his speech suggest about his view of the Parliament?
He compares them to biblical figures to emphasize their wisdom and guidance.
Cromwell is highlighting their victimization and innocence in a complex political situation.
He accuses them of treachery and prioritizing personal gain over duty.
He is commending them for their sacrifices and difficult decisions.
Question 5
The phrase 'Take away that shining bauble there' in Cromwell's speech most likely refers to what?
The mace, a symbol of parliamentary authority, which Cromwell is dismissing as insignificant.
A monetary bribe, illustrating the corruption he accuses the Parliament of engaging in.
The crown of the monarch, indicating Cromwell's intention to abolish the monarchy.
A literal piece of jewelry that Cromwell is confiscating as a symbol of the Parliament's vanity.
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