3.The Commonwealth

Having defeated the Cavaliers，the Independents led by Cromwell were ready to carry out their plan to bring Charles Stuart to justice.In Dec.1648，those Presbyterians who were disposed to come to terms with the King were expelled from the House of Commons by Colonel Pride，and the remainder continued to sit under the nickname of“the Rump”.On Jan.1，1649，the Rump Parliament passed a resolution establishing a republic，abolishing the House of Lords，constituting itself as the supreme governing body，and appointing a Council of State to govern the country.It voted to set up a High Court of Justice to try Charles Stuart for his crimes against his people，especially as a tyrant，traitor，murderer，and enemy of the country.On Jan.30，1649，James Ⅰwas beheaded on the balcony of his palace at Whitehall，London.

Oliver Cromwell（1599-1658）

England then became a Commonwealth meaning a republic without king and the House of Lords.Cromwell became the real ruler of the country.He first suppressed the Levellers and democrats in his army，who mutinied in the summer of 1649.He then sailed for Ireland to overcome the resistance of the Cavaliers and Catholics.During his Irish campaign，Cromwell killed many Cavaliers and Catholic priests.That is why his name has been hated in Ireland for over three hundred years.Having crushed the resistance in Ireland，Cromwell invaded Scotland.In 1651Cromwell destroyed the Cavaliers and Scottish army and brought Scotland under his control.

The English Commonwealth had not yet found a permanent form of government.The Rump of the Long Parliament refused to take any steps to appoint a new legislative body.Cromwell lost patience with them，and in April 1653led a body of soldiers into the House and dispersed them by force.He assumed the sovereign power，and in Dec.took the title of Lord Protector.Cromwell divided the country into eleven districts and ruled through a group of generals with their own local armies.It was an efficient government，but the people hated it.

Cromwell died at the age of 59on Sept.3，1658.His son Richard，who had never shown any ability or interest in politics，was chosen as Lord Protector，but in April 1659he was overthrown by agroup of Cromwell’s old generals.Tired of military despotism and afraid of further development of the revolution，the bourgeoisie expected to have a leader who could bring back normal government.General Monek，the commander-in-chief in Scotland，was such a leader.He arranged free elections for a new parliament，which promptly decided to bring back the rule of kings.Just eleven years after James Ⅰ’s death，cheering crowds welcomed back his son as CharlesⅡ.