Consequences of the English Civil Wars
The impact and consequences of the English Civil Wars (1642-1651) were many and far-reaching. Charles I of England (r. 1625-1649) was executed, and the monarchy was abolished. Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) then headed the Republic as the Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland. For many commoners, their lands and property were confiscated, taxes were higher than ever, and they suffered death and disease like never before. Finally, the uncertainty of just how to replace the monarchy brought forth a spring of new groups with new ideas on how to live, how to interpret the Bible, and what should be the obligations and responsibilities of those who governed them.