1. Religious Changes:
Cromwell was a staunch Puritan, and his religious beliefs deeply influenced his policies. The Church of England faced significant reforms under his rule:
- Puritan Dominance: The Church of England was transformed to reflect Puritan values. Puritans sought to simplify religious practices and eliminate what they saw as excessive rituals and ceremonies.
- Religious Pluralism: While Puritanism was the dominant religious force, Cromwell allowed for a degree of religious tolerance. Protestant groups like Independents, Baptists, and Quakers were permitted to worship freely. However, Catholicism and Anglicanism were suppressed.
2. Political Developments:
Cromwell's rise to power involved the overthrow of the monarchy. He dissolved Parliament and established himself as the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
- Power Concentration: Cromwell consolidated power in his hands. He created the Major Generals, regional military governors who enforced his authority and suppressed dissent.
- Representative Government: Despite the concentration of power, there was a degree of representative government. Cromwell occasionally called parliaments, though they were often filled with his supporters.
3. Social and Economic Policies:
- Economic Regulation: Cromwell's government regulated trade and commerce to promote domestic industries. The Navigation Acts aimed to boost England's maritime trade and economy.
- Moral Reforms: Puritans sought to impose strict moral standards. Laws against drunkenness, gambling, and swearing were enforced. Theaters were closed, and festivities like Christmas were discouraged.
- Education and Science: Cromwell was a patron of education and scientific advancement. He funded various educational institutions and supported scholars and scientists.
4. Dissent and Resistance:
- Levellers: A group known as the Levellers emerged during the Protectorate, advocating for social equality and universal manhood suffrage. They were suppressed by Cromwell.
- Rebellions and Plots: There were several rebellions and plots against Cromwell's rule, particularly from royalist supporters seeking to restore the monarchy.
5. Foreign Policy:
- Military Successes: Cromwell's England achieved notable military victories against the Netherlands, Spain, and Scotland. These successes enhanced England's international prestige.
Overall, life for the English people under Oliver Cromwell was marked by religious and political changes, economic regulations, moral reforms, and various social and economic developments. While Cromwell's rule was not without its challenges and critics, his impact on English history and society was profound.