Oliver Cromwell

Charles I, the youthful king of England, desired to reign without the support of Parliament. The Parliament would not give him the money he needed for the conflicts. Charles I attempted to imprison certain members of Parliament in 1642 but was unsuccessful. He then departed from Parliament and did not return as king. Members of Parliament made the decision to train the soldiers and to raise an army to battle the king. However, they were aware that fighting with only courage was insufficient. A capable commander who could lead and teach the troops was essential. They discovered such a leader. Oliver Cromwell was there. Cromwell served in the House of Commons. He was a rough-hewn country gentleman who lacked speaking ability, but he was renowned for his moral fortitude, sincerity, and religious conviction.

Cromwell instilled in his soldiers the desire to fight for freedom, Parliament, and religion while training them to obey orders to the letter. "Trust in God and keep your powder dry," was his famous instruction.

Although Cromwell had strict control over the nation, he did not enjoy being challenged and ultimately dissolved Parliament. In the final years of his life, he rose to the position of dictator, ruling the nation without the consent of the people. The first republic in Europe, the English Republic, fell short of the expectations of the populace. Oliver Cromwell passed on in September 1658. The call for the monarchy to be restored was sparked by the political unrest that followed his passing. Charles II, the son of the executed monarch, was granted the right to rule England in 1660 by the newly elected Parliament.