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Experiments in government and society, 1648–1660 (A-level only)

Radicalism, Republic and Restoration, 1642–1660 (A-level: Experiments in government and society, 1648–1660 (A-level only)

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AqaA LevelHistory2E The English Revolution, 1625–1660

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Experiments in government and society, 1648–1660 (A-level only)4 objectives

The Third Civil War: the attempted Royalist revival; the defeat and exile of Prince Charles.
Political radicalism: failure of the Levellers and Diggers and the ‘Godly Society’; Quakers, Baptists and other radical sects; the Rump Parliament as an experiment in radical republicanism; the Parliament of the Saints.
Oliver Cromwell and the Protectorate: Cromwell’s personality and approach to government and his refusal of the Crown; the limits of religious toleration; the Major Generals; the problem of the succession to Cromwell.
The monarchy restored: political vacuum after the death of Cromwell; negotiations for the return of the monarchy under Charles II; the legacy of the English Revolution by 1660.

RoyalistCommonwealthRadical RepublicanismGodly SocietyProtectorateMajor GeneralsRestorationPolitical vacuum

Use specific examples: When answering questions about the Third Civil War, include specific battles and key figures to support your arguments.
Use specific examples: When discussing radical groups, always support your arguments with specific examples of their actions or writings.

Confusing the Civil Wars: Ensure to clearly differentiate between the First, Second, and Third Civil Wars, focusing on their specific causes and consequences.
Confusing the Levellers and Diggers: Clarify that the Levellers focused on political rights and suffrage, while the Diggers emphasized communal land ownership and social equality.

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