📕 Chapter 3: A Long and Illustrious History
Who succeeded Cromwell after his death?
Correct answer: His son Richard
A Charles II
✓ His son Richard
C Parliament
D The army
💡 Explanation
Cromwell's son Richard briefly succeeded him but was unable to maintain power.
Key facts to remember
- England became a republic — the Commonwealth
- Cromwell became Lord Protector in 1653
- Strict Puritan who banned theatre and Christmas celebrations
- Cromwell brutally suppressed Ireland — massacres at Drogheda and Wexford
- United England, Scotland, and Ireland under one government
- Died 1658; son Richard could not maintain power
Why this is the answer
From the official Life in the UK study material — 3.3.9 Oliver Cromwell and the Commonwealth:
After the execution of Charles I, England became a republic known as the Commonwealth. Oliver Cromwell, the leader of the Parliamentarian forces, became the most powerful man in the country. In 1653, he took the title of Lord Protector, effectively ruling as a military dictator. He was a strict Puritan who banned many forms of entertainment, including theatre and Christmas celebrations.
Cromwell was a controversial figure. He brutally suppressed a rebellion in Ireland, where his forces massacred thousands of people at Drogheda and Wexford. These events left a lasting legacy of bitterness in Ireland. Cromwell also conquered Scotland and united England, Scotland, and Ireland under one government. He died in 1658, and his son Richard briefly succeeded him but was unable to maintain power.
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This question is from: 3.3.9 Oliver Cromwell and the Commonwealth
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