In March 1657, the Long Parliament put forth the Humble Petition and Advice, which proposed that Oliver Cromwell become the king of England. This proposal arose amid a tumultuous period following the English Civil War, during which Cromwell had emerged as a key figure in the overthrow of the monarchy. The Parliament believed that accepting a crown would help to stabilize the government, which had been fraught with instability. The petition sought to unite various factions and provide a legitimate government structure, given the dissatisfaction with the existing radical republicanism.

Cromwell, who had been serving as Lord Protector since 1653, was faced with a challenging decision. While the offer was made in recognition of his military accomplishments and governance, it was also filled with complexities regarding the nature of power and authority in England. Cromwell’s reluctance stemmed from his puritanical beliefs and his desire to avoid the absolute rule that monarchy typically entailed. On April 4, he officially declined the crown, leading to further debates within the Parliament and the nation about the future of governance in England.

The decision to reject the crown was significant as it underscored Cromwell's commitment to a republican form of governance over a traditional monarchy. This moment represented both Cromwell's personal convictions and broader ideological divides in a nation still grappling with the remnants of civil war. By declining the throne, Cromwell aimed to maintain a balance between authority and liberty, which continued to shape the political landscape in England for years. His leadership style and the resulting political structure paved the way for future developments in British politics, including the Restoration period.