English Civil War

The English Civil War led to the establishment of the Commonwealth of England, a period of governance without a monarchy

Proclamation of the Commonwealth

After the execution of King Charles I, the Commonwealth was proclaimed and lasted until the restoration of the monarchy

Leadership of Oliver Cromwell

Oliver Cromwell, a central figure in the Civil War, initially led the Commonwealth as a republic but eventually became a military dictator

Republican Government

The Commonwealth of England was intended to be a "Commonwealth and Free-State," with the Parliament and its appointees in charge

Instruments of Government

The first written constitution of England, the Instruments of Government, established a system of governance involving the Lord Protector, Parliament, and Council of State

Concentration of Power

Despite the constitutional framework, Oliver Cromwell wielded considerable power, including the authority to dissolve Parliament

Military Authority

Cromwell's governance relied heavily on military authority, as seen through his appointment of Major-Generals to oversee the regions

Religious Tolerance

The early years of the Commonwealth saw a level of religious tolerance, allowing radical religious groups to flourish

Persecution of Radical Factions

As the Protectorate became more established, radical factions like the Fifth Monarchists were seen as threats and were persecuted

Death of Oliver Cromwell

The death of Oliver Cromwell in 1658 marked the beginning of the decline of the Commonwealth

Collapse of the Protectorate

Cromwell's son, Richard Cromwell, lacked the support to sustain the regime, leading to its collapse

Influence on British Political Reforms

The Commonwealth's legacy can be seen in its influence on later British political reforms, particularly after the Glorious Revolution of 1688