The Commonwealth of England

The Commonwealth of England was a period from 1649 to 1660 when England was a republic, meaning it was governed without a king or queen. It began after the English Civil War, during which King Charles I was executed. The country was governed by Parliament and later by Oliver Cromwell, who became Lord Protector. This era focused on reforming government along more democratic lines and experimenting with religious tolerance. The Commonwealth ended when the monarchy was restored in 1660, bringing back King Charles II.