English Civil War Research Paper

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The English Civil War was a turning point in English history and in the life of an ordinary country gentlemen, Oliver Cromwell. The English Civil War started in 1642 and ended in 1651. During those nine years, Oliver Cromwell rose in rank to the position of Protectorate because of his relationship with his capable troops and military skill in battle. While historians debate his role, Oliver Cromwell was an effective leader in trying to create a better England. Before the English Civil War of 1642 began, the king of Great Britain and Ireland was Charles I. Charles I and Parliament had many disputes over how money should be spent. This led to the dissolution of Parliament in 1629. Charles I now ruled by himself for eleven years. This is known …show more content…
A civil war was fought because of the king’s unconstitutional acts, but later became a dispute over the powers of the crown and Parliament. In order to increase the Roundheads’ chances of victory, Colonel Thomas Pride led his troops in the English House of Commons and removed one hundred Royalist and Presbyterians who were accused of siding with Charles I and were also seen as unreliable in the army. By the end of the English Civil War, the Roundheads obtained victory. Oliver Cromwell was convinced monarchy was not needed in England. He forced Parliament into trying, convicting, and executing King Charles I for “treason against the people” because Charles I was personally responsible for the outbreak of the Second Civil War (“English Civil War”). Oliver Cromwell handpicked judges and forced them to sign the death warrant of King Charles (“Cromwell, Oliver”). Charles I refused to give up his power as king and was beheaded on January 30, 1649. On that same day, the Rump Parliament passed an act prohibiting any person to become a monarch in England. Their intention was to crush any potential successors to the …show more content…
The Barebones Parliament was an assembly made up of 140 members who tried to annul tithes, patronage, and codify the law (“Barebones Parliament”). The Barebones Parliament became a failure and disbanded in December 1653. As a result of this event, it resulted into a group of moderates led by General John Lambert came together and made the Instrument of Government. The Instrument of Government was an English constitution that lasted from 1653-1657. It authorized a Protectorate, with Cromwell leading, supported by the Council of State, and established a single chamber parliament, made up 460 members. Protestants were granted toleration under the constitution. Cromwell became Lord Protectorate of England because of his actions in the Civil War, the government, and the campaign in Ireland and Scotland. His decision in government were justified as a political necessity (Cromwell: our chief of men). Cromwell accepted the position of Lord Protector in December

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