Oliver Cromwell is an outstanding English commander and statesman of the XVI-XVII centuries. He led the English Revolution, led the Independent Movement, and at the end of his political career held the position of Lord General and Lord Protector of England, Ireland and Scotland.
It is believed that Oliver Cromwell is a key figure in British history, which determined the fate of the country at a crucial moment in its history. Others believe that he was a good soldier who managed to achieve both fame and power. His word, the word of the commander of the parliamentary army, was more significant than the words of any other person. Oliver Cromwell was a man of tremendous spiritual strength, he radiated confidence and energy. In his presence, they revere him.
Childhood and youth
Oliver Cromwell was born in 1599 in the city of Huntingdon in a family, which in former times could be called wealthy. Cromwell's grandfather was personally acquainted with King James VI. There were rich people in their family, but all the wealth went to other relatives. Their family had eight children. The boy grew up and was brought up in the cozy atmosphere created by his mother Elizabeth. The whole period of childhood and youth of Oliver Cromwell can be called quite ordinary. His father, Robert Cromwell, was a poor nobleman with modest means. He had a cheerful disposition, and it was difficult to call him a puritan in the strict sense of the word. He could not live without tobacco and liked to have fun from time to time.
Despite the fact that the Cromwell couple was relatively poor, Oliver received a good education, which he continued at Huntingdon State School at the College of Sussex at Cambridge University, known for its Puritan spirit. After the death of his father, he was forced to refuse to receive education in order to help his family. At this time, he was engaged in farming: preparing cheese, brewing beer, pitch and selling bread. At the same time, he married Elizabeth Bourshieu, who became his first and only wife.
Contemporaries wrote about Cromwell as a sensitive and compassionate person. He was tormented by his own immorality and devoted 10 years to hard peasant work.
Politics
With the help of the family, Oliver Cromwell became a member of parliament. His first appearance in the highest legislative body of England on the protection of the rights of Puritan preachers took place in February 1929. Oliver's first appearance in the highest legislative body of England took place in February 1629. It was dedicated to protecting Puritan preachers. He was called the most fanatical member of parliament. The contradictions that existed between the parliament and the ruling elite became increasingly apparent. Charles I was forced to dissolve the parliament, and Cromwell's career was completed before he could begin.
English revolution
A society that disagrees about politics and religion can never live peacefully. In 1642, this confrontation resulted in a civil war, which was the beginning of the rise of Oliver Cromwell.
On the one hand, the king and royalists defended the interests of the Church of England and the king’s divine right to power. They were opposed by the parliamentary party, which voted in favor of reforming the church and the state. Cromwell became captain of the cavalry. His career went uphill.
On an intuitive level, Cromwell understood which army would be able to withstand the royalists. He believed that several honest men could serve better than a whole army. Righteous men will lead pious soldiers. Thus appeared the legendary detachment of the “iron-sided” cavalry, extremely disciplined and pious soldiers, ready to fight for gentlemen. It was Cromwell’s army that brought the victory of the parliamentary army in the battle of Marston Moore in 1644. It was this event, coupled with a victory at the Battle of Neisby in 1645, that predetermined the history of the English Revolution.
With his army, Cromwell, who was reputed to be a brilliant commander, went through many fights and each time received higher and higher ranks. In 1644, he received the title of lieutenant general.
After the victory of parliament in the First Civil War, the dictatorship of the king is a thing of the past. The outcome of the war was largely due to the outstanding organizational skills and energy of Oliver Cromwell.
Cromwell used the vast experience gained during the war to create an effective army. In 1645 he created an army of a new standard, based on the "iron-sided" detachments.
Civil War
After the victory of parliament, the commander decided to move to a more moderate opposition. But his rejection of radical democratic views did not appeal to everyone. Levellers remained unhappy with the results of the revolution and demanded continued battles.
In 1647, the army captured the king. Despite all attempts to unite the warring parties, Oliver Cromwell failed to prevent the Second Civil War, which began in 1648.
During this revolution, Cromwell fought royalists in Scotland and northern England. As a result, he managed to achieve the purification of the House of Commons from the supporters of royalists.
In 1649, Cromwell agreed to the execution of the king and the proclamation of England as a republic. In power were the "silk" independents, led by Cromwell. Subsequently, he continued to fight mercilessly with the royalist troops, and proved himself a cruel ruler.
