Commonwealth
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The term "Commonwealth" in English history refers to the period between 1649 and 1660 when England was a republic. Following the execution of King Charles I, England was declared a commonwealth under parliamentary rule. This era transitioned into the Protectorate in 1653, with Oliver Cromwell installed as lord protector. After Cromwell's death, his son Richard briefly continued the government until Parliament resumed power, paving the way for the Restoration of Charles II in 1660.1
During this time, the American colonies, particularly in New England, developed a significant degree of self-governance, often operating with considerable autonomy from England due to the mother country's internal conflicts.2
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Oliver CromwellFirst chairman of the Councilā¦a republic and named the Commonwealth, Oliver Cromwell served as the first chairman of the Council of State, the executive body of a one-chamber Parliament. During the first three years following Charles Iās execution, however, he was chiefly absorbed in campaigns against the Royalists in Ireland and Scotland. He alsoā¦
Read Moreā¦a republic and named the Commonwealth, Oliver Cromwell served as the first chairman of the Council of State, the executive body of a one-chamber Parliament. During the first three years following Charles Iās execution, however, he was chiefly absorbed in campaigns against the Royalists in Ireland and Scotland. He alsoā¦
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Oliver CromwellLegacy of Oliver Cromwellā¦sanctioned the government of the country by major generals of the Horse Militia who were made responsible for law and order in groups of counties. But he soon abandoned this experiment when it met with protests and reverted to more normal methods of government. In the spring of 1657 heā¦
Read Moreā¦sanctioned the government of the country by major generals of the Horse Militia who were made responsible for law and order in groups of counties. But he soon abandoned this experiment when it met with protests and reverted to more normal methods of government. In the spring of 1657 heā¦
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