It is 1642 in England. Charles I is making many reforms and decisions to ensure his power. He dismisses Parliament three times and attempts to rule alone. He spends large sums of money on himself and attains this money by creating his own tax called “ship money” which is heavily enforced. He marries a Catholic woman, which seems like a betrayal to a mostly Anglican country. There are rumblings of war between Parliament and Charles I. Oliver Cromwell, a member of Parliament, realizes he must overthrow the tyrannical king. Cromwell would soon become one of the most feared military leaders in seventeenth century England and lead the successful revolt of Parliament against King Charles I. Through his conquest and leadership Oliver Cromwell is …show more content…
First, Oliver Cromwell ended civil unrest in England. By winning the civil war against King Charles I at Naseby in 1645 (BBC), Cromwell left only one side intact so people no longer had to choose between the two warring sides, which is the more important idea for the commoners. Second, Cromwell kept England calm even after the execution of the king. During the civil war, he led a cavalry unit called the Ironsides, where he rose from Captain to Lieutenant General. He then established a new professional army, the “New Model Army.” With an iron fist, Cromwell did not allow new rebellious groups to develop, and so without him there could have been another civil war. Third, Oliver Cromwell gained support from both the religious commoners and the nobles worried about revolution. He did this by maintaining a good double image as a strict Puritan and as a strong military leader. He once said, “Keep your faith in God, but keep your powder dry” (Brainyquotes). Unlike Charles I, Oliver Cromwell knew religion was important but that stability was even more important. Finally, even though he was a strong ruler, he never made himself a king. He took the title of Lord Protectorate, even though he could have claimed the crown. Oliver Cromwell ruled England with a steady hand during its most chaotic