Oliver Cromwell: From Humble Beginnings to Leading the English Civil War, Appunti di Inglese

Scarica Oliver Cromwell: From Humble Beginnings to Leading the English Civil War e più Appunti in PDF di Inglese solo su Docsity! Early life Oliver Cromwell was born on April 25, 1599, in Huntingdon, England. His father, Richard Cromwell, was a younger son of one of the richest men in the district who was known as the "Golden Knight."His circumstances were modest and he was sent to the local school and developed intense religious beliefs. In 1616 Cromwell entered Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. He left the following year after the death of his father. For the next few years he lived in London. In 1620 he married Elizabeth Bourchier, the daughter of Sir James Bourchier, a merchant. Cromwell then returned in Huntingdon. There he farmed his land and played a small part in local affairs, he was also considered champion of the poor. During these years Cromwell feels depressed, so after much spiritual torment he became convinced that he was the instrument of God. Political situation in 1640 When Cromwell entered Parliament in 1640, Charles I (1600–1649) had ruled England for eleven years. The king had pursued policies in religion and finance, which had disagreed with many country gentlemen, including Cromwell. Furthermore, Charles I had plunged into war with Scotland, and he was defeated. The mood of Parliament was highly critical. Cromwell believed Parliament should limit the power of the king and the Anglican Church. Without parliamentary experience, Cromwell rarely spoke, but when he did it was usually in support of extreme measures. Cromwell was dedicated to the reform of the Church and of the court. He was also highly critical of the king. Civil war By 1642 there was a war between the King and Parliament. At the outbreak of war in August 1642, Cromwell was the commander of the New Model Army. He rapidly demonstrated that he was a good military leader but also his ability to develop an equipped army of professional soldiers. Under the leadership of the Earl of Manchester, regiments from other counties were brought together as one force,the Eastern Association. In 1644 at the battle of Marston Moor (July 2, 1644) Cromwell's Ironsides defeated the cavalry (troops) of Prince Rupert, general of the royalist. After two years of war, the king was still in the field. Many disliked the price paid for alliance with the Scots. Cromwell, however, wanted to win. He bitterly attacked the Earl of Manchester. He emerged as the leader of the parliamentary armies. On June 14, 1645 he defeated the royalists' army at Naseby. Within a year the royalist armies had surrendered. End of the war In 1648 the royalists created an alliance with the Scots, but Cromwell overtook both. The republicans were determined to bring Charles I to trial, and Cromwell did nothing to stop