Oliver Cromwell Alex Franz B1 E1

Who was Oliver Cromwell? He was known as a Puritan general who led his New Model army to defeat the Cavaliers in the English Civil War in 1645.

Childhood Born in 1599, he was baptised at St John’s Church in Huntingdon, England. He grew up in a rich family. He attended local school, and he developed intense religious beliefs.

“Adult life” In 1616 Cromwell entered Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. He left the following year after the death of his father. For the next few years he lived in London. In 1620 he married Elizabeth Bourchier, the daughter of Sir James Bourchier, a wealthy leather merchant. 4

“Adult life” (cont.) Cromwell then returned to his small estate in Huntingdon. There he farmed his land and played a small part in local affairs, earning a reputation as a champion of the poor. During these years Cromwell experienced periods of deep depression. After much spiritual torment he became convinced that he was the instrument of God. 5

How Cromwell proved his worth At the outbreak of war between the King and Parliament in August 1642, He was assigned a small army of men, and he demonstrated his leadership skills with the small amount of men he had. In 1644, Cromwell’s reputation as Parliament’s most forceful general was made at the battle of Marston Moor, where he defeated the cavalry of Prince Rupert, the royalist’s best general. 6

Cromwell’s rule 1653-58 For a while Cromwell and his Council ruled most effectively, sweeping away ancient tribal rule in Scotland and Ireland. He then united those countries with England under one Parliament, which was itself reformed. When the Parliament met in 1654, however, it soon quarreled with Cromwell over the constitution. He once more took power into his own hands and dissolved Parliament on June 22, 1655. 7

Cromwell’s rule (cont.) From Cromwell's rule local government was brought under major generals, soldiers whom he could trust. This made many people angry. Under a new constitution and a reestablished Parliament, Cromwell took the title “Lord Protector.” This move also reestablished the House of Lords, another part of Parliament, and made Cromwell king in all but name. 8

Legacy of Cromwell As a general, he was gifted yet lucky. As a statesman, Cromwell had some success but was unable to meet many of his goals. Perhaps the most remarkable of Cromwell's qualities were his seriousness and his self- control. Few men have enjoyed such supreme power and abused it less. 9

English Civil War In March 1642 Charles, believing that Parliament had gone too far when it issued the Grand Remonstrance, moved to arrest John Pym and four other leaders. Charles himself entered Parliament with solders and a warrant, but Pym and the others were gone, having been tipped off in advance. They fled to London where they were hidden by Puritan loyalists, who dominated the city government. The King demanded the return of Pym, but the citizens refused. London, at least, was in rebellion. 10

English Civil War (cont.) That summer Parliament, fearing military action, tried to seize control of the army by issuing orders for soldiers to report to Parliamentary, rather than royal, representatives. The King countered by ordering the bill ignored and raised his own army in August. Some turned out for the King, some for Parliament, and the war was on. 11

Battle of Edgehill, Oct. 1643 This was the first real battle between the King and Parliament. The battle was inconclusive, but it showed that the Parliament was not strong enough to defeat the King. 12

The New Model Army Parliament decided that they want a negotiated settlement, not the death of their king. In 1644, Parliament passed Self-Denying Ordinance to get soldiers out of Parliament, because the Parliament army was getting officered by MPs. 13

The Final Victory Roundheads and the Cavaliers met again at Naseby, June 14, 1645. Cromwell was victorious with his cavalry charge, marking the real victory for Parliament. The English King was then captured, and Parliament is deciding what to do with him. 14

Effects of the war Led to the trial and execution of King Charles I Exile of Charles II Replacement of English monarchy with first, the Commonwealth of England, and then with a Protectorate under Cromwell’s rule. 15

Questions Where did Cromwell defeat Prince Rupert? In 1643, which inconclusive battle showed that Parliament could not yet defeat the King’s forces? T/F : When Cromwell was named King, he gained the power of the king as well.

Questions (cont.) What happened at Naseby on June 14, 1645? King Charles I was executed as a result of ________.