'Oliver Cromwell and the Rule of the Puritans in England' Summary

Oliver Cromwell was a key figure in the English Civil War and the establishment of the Puritan Commonwealth. Born in 1599, Cromwell was a successful farmer and businessman before becoming involved in politics. He was elected to Parliament in 1628 and quickly became a leading critic of King Charles I. When the Civil War broke out in 1642, Cromwell joined the Parliamentarian army and quickly rose through the ranks. He played a key role in several important victories, including the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644 and the Battle of Naseby in 1645. After the war, Cromwell helped to establish the Puritan Commonwealth and served as Lord Protector from 1653 to 1658. He died in 1658 and was succeeded by his son, Richard. Cromwell was a complex and controversial figure. He was a devout Puritan who was deeply committed to religious freedom. He was also a brilliant military strategist and a skilled politician. However, he was also accused of being a tyrant and a dictator. Despite his flaws, Cromwell remains one of the most important figures in British history.