ENGLISH COMMONWEALTH Meaning and
Definition
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English Commonwealth refers to a term used to describe a political entity that existed during the 17th century in England. It refers to the period from 1649 to 1660, during which England was declared a republic and operated under various forms of government after the execution of King Charles I. The English Commonwealth came into existence following the English Civil War, which was primarily fought between the royalists (supporters of King Charles I) and the parliamentarians (supporters of the English Parliament).
During this time, England was governed by the elected English Council of State, with Oliver Cromwell acting as the de facto leader, first as Lord Protector from 1653 to 1659 and then as Lord Protectorate from 1659 to 1660. The English Commonwealth marked a transitional period in England's history, as it represented a departure from monarchy and the establishment of a republican government.
The English Commonwealth was characterized by a series of constitutional experiments, including the Rump Parliament, the Barebones Parliament, and finally the Commonwealth as Protectorate. These forms of government aimed to establish a more representative system, with the power held by elected representatives rather than the monarchy. However, the Commonwealth faced challenges and tensions, resulting in the eventual restoration of the monarchy in 1660 with the ascension of Charles II, marking the end of the English Commonwealth.
Etymology of ENGLISH COMMONWEALTH
The term "English Commonwealth" has its etymology rooted in the combination of two separate words: "English" and "Commonwealth".
The word "English" comes from the Old English word "Englisc", which referred to the people of England or their language. It is derived from the name of a Germanic tribe called the Angles, who settled in England during the 5th and 6th centuries. Over time, "Englisc" evolved into "English", denoting the people, language, and things associated with England.
The word "Commonwealth" originates from the Old English term "cymen welþe", meaning "common well-being" or "common good". It referred to a type of political organization where the interests of the community were considered paramount. This concept was later adopted in the Middle Ages to describe political entities formed for the common good of the people.
