Cromwell who ruled England during the Commonwealth and Protectorate (1649-1658) was the major force behind the readmission of the Jews into England. He was motivated by two factors. The first was religious, believing that there would only be a second coming of the messiah when Jews were dispersed in every country. The second was the usefulness of Jews for channels of trade vis a vis Holland, Spain, and Portugal. Cromwell did not champion the return of the Jews to the Land of Israel.