The Commonwealth of England: A Transformative Period of Governance
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The Commonwealth of England was a republic established after the English Civil War, led by Oliver Cromwell as Lord Protector. It featured the Protectorate era, military control, religious tolerance, and the eventual restoration of the monarchy in 1660. Its legacy influenced later British political reforms, contributing to principles like parliamentary sovereignty and free elections.
Summary
Outline
The Establishment of the Commonwealth of England
The Commonwealth of England was established in the aftermath of the English Civil War, a transformative period in which the nation experimented with governance without a monarchy. Following the execution of King Charles I in 1649, the Commonwealth was proclaimed and endured until the monarchy was restored in 1660. Oliver Cromwell, a central figure in the Civil War, initially led the Commonwealth as a republic. However, his leadership eventually took on the characteristics of a military dictatorship, particularly after he became Lord Protector.The Structure and Governance of the Commonwealth
Governed as a republic, the Commonwealth of England was intended to be a "Commonwealth and Free-State," with the Parliament and its appointees at the helm. The early years (1649-1653) were marked by attempts at democratic governance, but these were undermined by political instability and discord within Parliament. Oliver Cromwell, supported by the New Model Army, dissolved the Rump Parliament in 1653 and established the Protectorate, which concentrated power in his hands, resembling monarchical authority.The Protectorate and the Instruments of Government
The Protectorate (1653-1658) saw Oliver Cromwell as Lord Protector, ruling under the Instruments of Government, England's first written constitution. This constitution established a system of governance involving the Lord Protector, a Parliament, and a Council of State. Despite the constitutional framework, Cromwell wielded considerable power, including the authority to dissolve Parliament, which he did when it challenged his policies.Military Control and the Major-Generals
Cromwell's governance was characterized by a reliance on military authority, as evidenced by his appointment of Major-Generals to oversee the Commonwealth's regions. This military administration was met with resistance from Parliament, which feared the encroachment of military rule. The Major-Generals' regime was short-lived, and in 1657, the Humble Petition and Advice was introduced, further entrenching Cromwell's power and proposing the hereditary succession of the Lord Protectorship.Religious Tolerance and Radical Groups
The Commonwealth era was notable for a certain level of religious tolerance, particularly in its early stages, which allowed various radical religious groups to flourish. These groups, which had emerged during the Civil War, advocated for religious freedom and established independent congregations. However, as the Protectorate became more established, radical factions like the Fifth Monarchists were increasingly seen as threats to security and were persecuted.The Collapse of the Commonwealth and the Restoration of the Monarchy
The death of Oliver Cromwell in 1658 precipitated the decline of the Commonwealth. His son, Richard Cromwell, lacked the military prowess and political support to sustain the regime, leading to the collapse of the Protectorate. The Army, led by General George Monck, was instrumental in the Commonwealth's dissolution, marching on London, instigating a new Parliamentary election, and facilitating the return of the monarchy. In May 1660, Charles II was restored to the throne, marking the end of the Commonwealth and the beginning of the Restoration period.The Legacy of the Commonwealth of England
The Commonwealth of England's legacy endures in its influence on later British political reforms, especially after the Glorious Revolution of 1688. The principles of parliamentary sovereignty, free elections, and freedom of speech within Parliament were cemented in British political tradition. It is important to distinguish the Commonwealth of England from the modern Commonwealth of Nations, a voluntary association of 54 countries that evolved from the British Empire, established in 1931 with different objectives and organizational structure.
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Establishment of the Commonwealth
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
Governance of the Commonwealth
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
Characteristics of the Commonwealth
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
Decline and Legacy of the Commonwealth
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
The Commonwealth of England: A Transformative Period of Governance
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00
The ______ of England was formed after the ______ Civil War, leading to a trial period of ruling without a king.
Commonwealth
English
01
Commonwealth of England initial governance period
1649-1653, aimed for democratic rule, faced political instability and discord.
02
Role of New Model Army in political shift
Supported Cromwell, instrumental in dissolving Rump Parliament, leading to Protectorate.
