Oliver Cromwell: The Interregnum and Protectorate
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Cromwell ruled over England and the changes he implemented.
Key learning points
- The years from 1649 - 1660 when England was a republic are known as the Interregnum.
- Oliver Cromwell became the most powerful figure in England during the Interregnum.
- Puritans hoped to make England a more godly country.
- Sects like the Fifth Monarchists emerged but often opposed the actions of the government.
- Cromwell's rule was unpopular as he reduced the power of Parliament and relied heavily on the army.
Keywords
Republic - a republic is a country without a monarch
MP - an MP is a Member of Parliament; MPs help to make laws
Reform - a reform is a change made in order to improve something
Protectorate - the Protectorate was the system of government set up by Oliver Cromwell and the New Model Army in 1653
Sect - a sect is a group of people with a set of, often extreme, religious beliefs
Common misconception
Parliament ruled the country for the whole Interregnum period.
Parliament ruled the country at the start of the Interregnum but was dismissed, recomposed, and ruled without at other times after 1652.
Teacher tip
Pupils may appreciate parliamentary displeasure with Cromwell's actions more effectively with the benefit of comparisons. Cromwell may be compared to the actions of Charles I in dismissing and storming into Parliament in 1629 and 1642.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the key words with their correct definitions.
Q2.What word is used to describe the execution of Charles I in 1649?
Q3.Write the missing word. Puritans were more likely to fight for the _______ during the Civil Wars.
Q4.What is more likely if a pamphlet described the regicide as ‘murder’?
Q5.Why did the New Model Army purge Parliament in 1648?
Q6.Starting with the earliest, sort these events into chronological order.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match up each of the key words with its correct definition.
Q2.Which one of these activities did the Protectorate try to stop during the Rule of the Major-Generals?
Q3.What kind of members were picked to be part of the Barebones Parliament?
Q4.Oliver Cromwell had _______ religious beliefs.
Q5.Why did Cromwell become so powerful during the Interregnum?
Q6.Which vision from Anna Trapnel’s "Cry of a Stone" pamphlet shows most clearly that she disliked Cromwell’s rule?
To help you plan your 8 history lesson on: Oliver Cromwell: The Interregnum and Protectorate, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 history lesson on: Oliver Cromwell: The Interregnum and Protectorate, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the The English Civil War: what can pamphlets tell us about 17th century politics? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.