An evaluation of the reasons for the failure to find an alternative form of government, 1649-58

Overextension of Military Rule

Cromwell’s New Model Army: Despite its initial effectiveness in defeating monarchist forces, the army struggled to govern effectively, leading to unrest and instability.
Army’s political ambitions: The army’s attempts to control local governments and policies met resistance. This inflated bureaucratic costs and rendered governance impractical.

Reduced trade: The upheaval of the Civil Wars, the execution of Charles I and the wider political instability all combined to reduce trade, weakening England’s economy.
Rising taxes: The military government was expensive to run and necessitated high taxes. This policy was deeply unpopular and damaged the government’s credibility.

Fragmentation of Parliament: The Rump Parliament’s initial goal was to prepare England for free elections and democratic governance, but ideological differences and power plays often stalled progress.
Religious differences: There were conflicts among Puritans, Levellers, Quakers, and other religious factions. This caused strife and instability.
Cromwell’s conflicting roles: Cromwell held the position of Lord Protector and head of the army, but struggled to balance these conflicting roles, leading to inconsistent governance.

Monarchist sentiment: Many English citizens remained attached to the monarchy and resisted attempts at alternative forms of government, sparking frequent uprisings.
Anger at autocracy: Attempts to rule without Parliament led to accusations of tyranny and backlash from citizens who had initially supported the Parliamentary cause.

The Instrument of Government (1653): This constitution provided a mixed form of Government, merging elements of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy. However, it failed to effectively balance these powers or satisfy the various factions.
The Humble Petition and Advice (1657): A modified form of the government that re-introduced a reformed House of Lords, but it too failed to address the fundamental conflicts and divisions and so did not stabilise the country.

International isolation: The execution of Charles I had shocked Europe’s monarchies, many of which refused to recognise the Commonwealth, limiting trade and creating tension.
War with the Dutch: The Anglo-Dutch Wars were a significant strain on the resources of England, exacerbating the existing economic and political difficulties of the government.