English Interregnum facts for kids
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The English Interregnum: A Time Without Kings
The English Interregnum was a special time in England and Wales. It was a period when there was no king on the throne. Instead, the country was ruled by Parliament and the military.
This period started in 1649. That's when King Charles I was put to death. It ended in 1660 when Charles II became king. This happened after Oliver Cromwell died.
This era in English history can be split into four main parts:
- The first period of the Commonwealth of England from 1649 to 1653.
- The Protectorate under Oliver Cromwell from 1653 to 1658.
- The Protectorate under Richard Cromwell from 1658 to 1659.
- The second period of the Commonwealth of England from 1659 to 1660.
Who Ruled England?
After King Charles I was gone, Oliver Cromwell became a very powerful leader. He was a Puritan. Puritans were a group of Christians who believed in very strict rules for life.
Cromwell became the leader of England. He was called the Lord Protector. This meant he ruled the country, but he was not a king.
When Oliver Cromwell died in 1658, his son, Richard Cromwell, took over. Richard became the new Lord Protector. But he did not stay in power for long.
Richard Cromwell's Rule
Richard Cromwell was not as strong a leader as his father. He gave up his position as Lord Protector quite easily. This happened after the Rump Parliament asked him to leave.
His decision to step down led to a short time when the Commonwealth of England was in charge again. This was before the king came back.
Life Under Cromwell
During the Interregnum, Oliver Cromwell made many changes. Because he was a Puritan, he wanted everyone to follow a very strict form of Christianity.
Before this time, King Charles I had been seen as unfair by many. But during Cromwell's rule, England became strict in new ways.
Cromwell did allow more religious freedom than before. People could worship in different ways. This was new for England.
However, other parts of life became limited. For example, theatre was banned. Plays and shows had been very popular under earlier kings and Queen Elizabeth I. But Cromwell thought they were wrong.
Some people felt that Cromwell's actions were "harsh" and "tyrannical." He made sure his own ideas about Christianity were followed by everyone.
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See also
In Spanish: Interregno inglés para niños
