19. During England's short dalliance under the Protectorate as a republic (1653-1659), who was known contemptuously as "Queen Dick"?
From Quiz Historical Snippets 4
Answer:
Richard Cromwell
England initially became a republic in 1649 following the execution of King Charles I in January that year, and a follow up Act passed by Parliament four months later. The Protectorate itself began in 1653, with Oliver Cromwell installed as Lord High Protector of the Commonwealth. And what a cheerless term that was. Under this warts and all leader, all the more celebratory aspects of English society were banned, or, at the very least, heavily curbed. These included drinking to excess, inns, brothels, theatre activity, celebrations built around Christmas Day and horse racing.
More positive aspects of Cromwell's tour of duty included the building of a stronger Navy, greater religious tolerance, and the readmission of Jews to the country. This mattered little to an indignant public, and Cromwell had to rely heavily on his armed forces to maintain order. On his death in 1658, when his son, Richard Cromwell, took over as Lord Protector, he lacked the force of personality and the ability to not only control Parliament, but also the army as well. "Queen Dick" became his contemptuous nickname among the general public, and in the chaos that took place under his leadership, he was removed from power by Parliament in 1659. Mince pies, Christmas, maypoles, the theatre, a tipple or three, and the Merry Monarch (Charles II) were all welcomed back with open arms.