Hello, I'm an expert in historical studies with a particular focus on European history. I'm here to provide you with a detailed and accurate response to your question about when England became a republic.

England has never formally been a republic in the modern sense of the term, where a republic is a state in which the head of state is an elected or nominated president rather than a hereditary monarch. However, there was a period in English history known as the Interregnum, which is often referred to as the time when England was a commonwealth and effectively functioned as a republic.

The Interregnum began with the end of the Second English Civil War in 1649 and ended with the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. During this period, England was ruled by a republican form of government known as the Commonwealth of England. The term "Commonwealth" was used to describe a political community founded for the common good, and it was a period of significant political and social upheaval.

The Commonwealth was established after the execution of Charles I in January 1649, which was a pivotal moment in English history. The monarchy was abolished, and England was declared a "free state" with Oliver Cromwell emerging as the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth. Cromwell held significant power, and his role was somewhat akin to that of a president, although the title and the formal structure of a republic were not adopted.

Oliver Cromwell ruled from 1653 until his death in 1658. After Cromwell's death, his son Richard Cromwell briefly succeeded him but was unable to maintain the same level of authority. The period of the Commonwealth was marked by political instability, and it was not long before the monarchy was restored.

In May 1660, Charles II was restored to the throne, marking the end of the Interregnum and the Commonwealth. This period is often seen as a failed experiment in republican governance, and it led to a significant backlash against republicanism in England.

In summary, while England has never been a republic in the modern sense, the period from 1649 to 1660, known as the Commonwealth, was a time when England was ruled by a republican form of government. It was characterized by the execution of a king, the abolition of the monarchy, and the establishment of a commonwealth under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell.

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Oliver Cromwell (1653-C1658) Richard Cromwell (1658-C1659) The Commonwealth was the period from 1649 to 1660 when England and Wales, later along with Ireland and Scotland, was ruled as a republic following the end of the Second English Civil War and the trial and execution of Charles I.read more >>