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Oliver Cromwell

Definition

Oliver Cromwell was an English military and political leader best known for serving as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland during the Commonwealth period following Charles I's execution.

Analogy

Imagine your school principal being replaced by a strict disciplinarian who changes many rules but also brings order and discipline. That's kind-of what happened when Oliver Cromwell took over after King Charles I.

Related terms

Lord Protector: This was a title used by Oliver Cromwell when he ruled England as head of state during the Commonwealth period.

New Model Army: This was an army formed in 1645 by Parliamentarians in the English Civil War that helped bring about victory over Royalists. It was led by Oliver Cromwell.

Regicide: The act of killing a king. Oliver Cromwell was a key figure in the trial and execution of King Charles I, an act of regicide.