THE COMMONWEALTH By Ashley Clegg

OED DEFINITION 1.Public welfare; general good or advantage. 2.The whole body of people constituting a nation or state, the body politic; A state, an independent community, esp. viewed as a body in which the whole people have a voice or an interest. 3.A state in which the supreme power is vested in the people; a republic or democratic state. 4.The republican government established in England between the execution of Charles I in 1649 and the Restoration in 1660.

Milton’s Definition of a Free Commonwealth  “a societie sufficient of it self, in all things conducible to well being and commodious life.”  “self governing democratie.”

HISTORY  Began with the execution of Charles I in January  House of Commons renamed Rump Parliament.  House of Lords abolished.  Council of State appointed.

Commonwealth Declared  May 19, 1649 England officially declared Commonwealth with House of Commons as supreme authority.  In 1650 a series of acts were passed to secure power and loyalty for the Commonwealth.

End of 1 st Commonwealth  April 20, 1653 Cromwell abolishes Rump Parliament.  December 16, 1653 Commonwealth ends when Cromwell is named Lord Protector.

Comeback  Came back in 1659 after Richard Cromwell failed to carry out his father’s policies.  May 6, 1659 Rump Parliament reinstalled.  Long Parliament dissolved again March 16, 1660.

MILTON’S ROLE  Great advocate for the Commonwealth at first.  Thought Cromwell was trying to take too much power for himself.  Secretary for Foreign Tongues to the Council of  State.  Sacrificed his poetic career and eyesight.  Forced into hiding and eventually imprisoned.

Milton’s Views  “as the Magistrate was set above the people, so the Law was set above the Magistrate.”  “all men naturally were borne free…and were by privilege above all the creatures, born to command and not obey.”  Monarchy is acceptable only under these conditions.

Works Cited  "English Commonwealth and Protectorate," Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia  Lovett, Frank. “Milton’s Case for a Free Commonwealth.” American Journal of Political Science (2005):  Plant, David. “British Civil Wars, Commonwealth, and Protectorate ” Feb wars.co.uk/timelines/parliament.htm