General George Monck and the establishment of the English occupation regime in Scotland in 1654–1658

This article examines the integration of Scotland into the English Commonwealth in the 1650s. It analyzes the reasons why the country's legal consolidation as part of the Independent Republic took over two years. Governors played a leading role in this process, working to pacify the restless region. Particular attention is paid to General George Monck, appointed governor in April 1654. His policies combined elements of coercion and collaboration with the Scottish population. Coercion consisted of the use of repressive measures against royalist-minded Scots. Arrests and property confiscations were threatened for those who supported Glencairn's rebellion. Furthermore, a widespread intelligence network was created that signaled the sentiments of the Scottish people toward the English occupation regime. Collaboration consisted of encouraging Scots who were willing to reaffirm their loyalty to Cromwell's Protectorate. Trustworthy members of the Scottish nobility, who had once opposed the English republican army, could count on a reduction in their debt obligations to the English government. The authors conclude that it was precisely this policy of General George Monck that cemented English dominance over Scotland in the 1650s.