In this immersive episode of Why Wars Happened, step inside the chaos after Oliver Cromwell’s death in 1658. His son Richard briefly took power, but his weakness paved the way for the exiled son of the executed king to return as Charles II.

In Virginia, the Assembly seized its moment of self-rule—only to invite back the familiar hand of Governor Berkeley. The people remained loyal to the crown, even as the Navigation Acts tightened England’s grip and strangled colonial trade.

This is an off-camera narrative of kings, loyalty, and lost chances, told with immersive storytelling and calming visuals.

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💬 Comment below: Would you have stayed loyal—or pushed for independence?

🕰️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction & Recap

00:16 – Cromwell’s Death and Its Aftermath

02:07 – Virginia’s Self-Governance and Loyalty

05:01 – Governor Berkeley Returns to Power

08:05 – Berkeley’s Second Term Challenges

09:28 – The Navigation Acts Enforced

10:38 – Closing & Next Episode Teaser

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