IOTL, when Oliver Cromwell passed away on September 3rd 1658, he was succeeded as Lord Protector by his eldest surviving son, Richard Cromwell. Richard, however, lacked the authority of his father, particularly when it came to dealing with the NMA, and so he was eventually forced to resign. This would ultimately pave the way for the Restoration the following year.

But what if Richard died before his father, and the Protectorate passed to Oliver's fifth child, Henry? As Lord Deputy of Ireland, he had plenty of experience in governance and also commanded respect from the army that Richard lacked.

So, if Henry Cromwell followed in his father's footsteps as Lord Protector, what would the impact be? How long would the Commonwealth last? What would become of the Stuarts? Would, upon Henry's death (if we assume the Commonwealth survives), the office of Lord Protector remain a hereditary one? If so, would Henry's heir face the same problems Richard did?
 
IOTL, when Oliver Cromwell passed away on September 3rd 1658, he was succeeded as Lord Protector by his eldest surviving son, Richard Cromwell. Richard, however, lacked the authority of his father, particularly when it came to dealing with the NMA, and so he was eventually forced to resign. This would ultimately pave the way for the Restoration the following year.

But what if Richard died before his father, and the Protectorate passed to Oliver's fifth child, Henry? As Lord Deputy of Ireland, he had plenty of experience in governance and also commanded respect from the army that Richard lacked.

So, if Henry Cromwell followed in his father's footsteps as Lord Protector, what would the impact be? How long would the Commonwealth last? What would become of the Stuarts? Would, upon Henry's death (if we assume the Commonwealth survives), the office of Lord Protector remain a hereditary one? If so, would Henry's heir face the same problems Richard did?

Wasn't Richard's inexperience down to the fact that up until a few years before, everyone had assumed Oliver's eldest son, Ollie Jr (OJ), was going to be the one to succeed? And then, OJ kicked and suddenly Queen Dick had to cram for the question of succession? So why not let OJ survive?

Otherwise, I could see Henry being more successful (at least at first), and perhaps a Holy Roman Empire sort title? Where the office of emperor/Lord Protector is held by a Cromwell (although it's not hereditary), and simply rubberstamped by Parliament/NMA.
 
The Commonwealth was up to it's eyeballs in debt, deploying far more military force, domestically as well as abroad, than was sustainable economically or politically. They were running a huge deficit that before the generation was out would have broken the system, one way or the other, especially as people were visibly beginning to tire of political puritanism.

Oliver the younger seems to have been very much like his father, but died long before the question of succession meant anything more than regimental rank- 1644. Worth looking at his sons in law, perhaps?

Oliver by 1658 was old and tired and although probably fully aware of the price of glory didn't have the energy for reform, every political expedient he had tried had failed, look at the Barebones Parliament, and being succeeded as lord protector at all was admitting failure, but it was all that was left short of "apres moi, le deluge."
 
Does Richard have to die? The Humble Petition and Advice didn't specify that Oliver name Richard as heir, AIUI it left that part vague. So if Oliver Senior (who already disapproved of Richard's lifestyle before appointing him successor) decides, Henry could in theory be appointed successor.

Also a TL on a surviving Protectorate
 
The Commonwealth was up to it's eyeballs in debt, deploying far more military force, domestically as well as abroad, than was sustainable economically or politically. They were running a huge deficit that before the generation was out would have broken the system, one way or the other, especially as people were visibly beginning to tire of political puritanism.
So it seems as though the Commonwealth would have multiple problems for Henry (and his successors) to face for it to survive long-term.

Oliver the younger seems to have been very much like his father, but died long before the question of succession meant anything more than regimental rank- 1644. Worth looking at his sons in law, perhaps?
Of course, there are numerous candidates who could have succeeded Oliver instead of Richard. Henry only came to mind because he outlived his father.

Does Richard have to die? The Humble Petition and Advice didn't specify that Oliver name Richard as heir, AIUI it left that part vague. So if Oliver Senior (who already disapproved of Richard's lifestyle before appointing him successor) decides, Henry could in theory be appointed successor.
Didn't consider that - I suppose it could work as well.

Also a TL on a surviving Protectorate
Very interesting - although its a shame the author never finished it.
 
Yeah, it's a pity @DevonPasty didn't finish it, I thought it was an interesting (and not often used) premise.I see that @Empress_Caeliam is looking to start a TL involving the Protectorate, so that should make for interesting reading when it comes up :)
Thanks for pointing that out(and tagging me so I could see this exists)!

One of the thoughts I had was the hope of actually having a POD which, without harming the Parliamentarian victory, could have possibly stopped Cromwell from obtaining OTLs power. If not that, then the later constitution markably weakeing said power.

Being that I'm not personally very knowledgable abt this time period, its going to be quite a while before I begin work on this TL, but I hope to produce something that is good! Let me know if you have any helpful sources for the time period!

For anyone who is curious as to what we're talking abt:
https://www.alternatehistory.com/forum/threads/pod-for-englishcommonwealth-survival-wi-pod.459828/
 
One of the thoughts I had was the hope of actually having a POD which, without harming the Parliamentarian victory, could have possibly stopped Cromwell from obtaining OTLs power. If not that, then the later constitution markably weakeing said power.
The main reason why Cromwell was installed as Lord Protector was because all forms of governance tried by the Commonwealth beforehand had proven to be either (a) incompetent, or (b) too conservative for the independents and radicals in the New Model Army.
So, if I could suggest two potential PODs:
(1) Not have the Rump renege on its agreement to dissolve, which was the pretext for Cromwell's dissolution. If new parliamentary elections are held which result in a new Parliament assembling that is sufficiently radical, it could continue to govern with the army's support.
or
(2) Avoid Fifth Monarchist beliefs emerging during the Civil War. Then, when Barebone's Parliament (or a similar body - remember that assembling a parliament of 'saints' was Harrison's idea) is assembled, it might be able to function effectively.

Anyhow, I wish you all the best of luck with your timeline and look forward to reading it.
 
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