大象传媒

During the Civil War, censorship collapsed. An extraordinary explosion of ideas followed, published in pamphlets and books. People met and discussed ideas and religious beliefs. The authorities became very concerned that this freedom of thought could undermine society and lead to chaos. Atheists were persecuted and Oliver Cromwell's government in the 1650s had tried to clamp down on extreme beliefs, but the result was a harsh and rigid regime. Even worse was the prospect of no regime at all. When Cromwell died in 1658, it was not long before people turned to the monarchy as the only institution which could bring order.