The Commonwealth (Alexa Escamilla)

“The execution of the king aroused hostility not only in England but also throughout Europe” (brittanica.com). Although this was true and there were many oppositions, in May 1649 after acts were passed eliminate the Monarchy and the House of Lords the Commonwealth was declared and was adopted by the Rump Parliament. The Commonwealth (not to be confused with the common wealth of nations) refers to that period of time 1649 to 1660 when Wales and England, later along with Scotland and Ireland was ruled as a republic and without a king.  This happened right after the execution of Charles I. Through “An Act declaring England to be Commonwealth” the republic’s existence was declared. The military during this time also became a huge part of the English government. After the ending of the Rump Parliament, Oliver Cromwell was declared Lord Protector of a united Common Wealth of England, Scotland and Ireland in 1653.  During this time the Protectorate (Interregnum) period began. After Cromwell died in 1659 his son Richard Cromwell took over and he ruled for a short period of time but he didn’t have the skill or the confidence to rule. In 1660 the Parliament dissolved and it made a way for the King to come back.

           

Works Cited

Smith, Lacey Baldwin, and Margaret Hastings. “United Kingdom.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2018, www.britannica.com/place/United-Kingdom/Charles-I-1625-49#ref483121. Accessed 9 Oct 2018.