1658 Facts for Kids

Millennium:	2nd millennium
Centuries:	16th century – 17th century – 18th century
Decades:	1620s 1630s 1640s – 1650s – 1660s 1670s 1680s
Years:	1655 1656 1657 – 1658 – 1659 1660 1661

The year 1658 was a time of important changes and events around the world. Leaders rose and fell, and countries fought or made peace. This year saw major shifts in power in Europe and Asia.

Key Events of 1658
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Key Events of 1658

Changes in Leadership

On September 3, Oliver Cromwell, the leader of England, Scotland, and Ireland, passed away. He was known as the Lord Protector, a powerful ruler.
After Oliver Cromwell's death, his son Richard took over his position. Richard became the new Lord Protector.
In the Mughal Empire in Asia, Aurangzeb became the new ruler. He took power from his father, Shah Jahan, who had built the famous Taj Mahal.

Wars and Peace

In February, Swedish troops led by Charles X Gustav of Sweden made an amazing journey. They marched across the frozen sea of the Great Belt in Denmark. This was a very difficult and risky military move.
Later, Sweden and Denmark agreed to peace. They signed the Treaty of Roskilde in the city of Roskilde. This treaty ended their conflict.
France joined England in a war against Spain. This war had started a few years earlier, in 1654.
In June, the Spanish army was defeated at the Battle of the Dunes.
After this victory, England was given control of the important port city of Dunkirk. This was a reward for their help in the war.

Other Important Events

On January 13, Edward Sexby died while he was held in the Tower of London. He had been involved in plans against Oliver Cromwell.
In Sri Lanka, which was then called Ceylon, Portuguese traders were forced to leave. They were expelled by invaders from the Dutch.