The Protectorate
History: KS3, topic 10.4.2
The Protectorate
Cromwell was effectively a dictator who ruled England as the ‘Protector’.
Military dictatorship
- Cromwell ran a military dictatorship (a government run by one person with ultimate authority).
- Cromwell had 11 Major Generals (military men) to run England under him.
- Because of this, the army was very important.
- Cromwell also built up the Navy.
Religion in England
- Puritanism became the dominant faith in England.
- These strict Protestants began to ban types of worship which they disagreed with. For example:
- Christmas was banned.
- Dancing and the theatre were banned.
- Drinking and gambling were banned.
- Cromwell and other Puritans believed these laws would improve the country’s morals.
Impact of Cromwell's rule
- Cromwell defeated the king and royalist resistance.
- Ordinary people hated the military dictatorship.
- Cromwell built up the army and navy.
- Historians disagree on whether Cromwell was a hero or a tyrant.
Test yourself on The Protectorate
How many Major-Generals did Cromwell have?
Which faith became dominant in England during the Protectorate?