Life of Oliver Cromwell

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Oliver Cromwell By Joe.p A biographyOliver Cromwelll was born 25th April 1599, In Huntingdon, to a wealthy and influential family. He had seven sisters. Cromwell was Protestant, this is one of the many reasons for which he became a great power. His faith in God would later prove to be his greatest strength, but also his greatest downfall. He went to Sidney Sussex College and Cambridge University, which then drove him on to be MP of Huntingdon in 1628 and MP of Cambridge in 1640. However, he wasn’t a noticeable character in Parliament, and made little effect..... this was until the trauma that shook Britain in 1642. During the reign of Charles 1st, the king was bitterly opposed. This was partly due to laws passed down without Parliamentary consent, such as the levying of taxes. However, it was mainly because Charles’ opposition of the English Church. Leading him to marry a Catholic woman and favour Catholic followers and countries. Forming a rivalry between the Scottish and English Parliaments, with Charles 1st , that can be liked to later crisis’s like The Battle Of The Boyne, and the fighting between Britain and Ireland. Both the Parliaments formed a group called the Parliamentarians. Charles’s men were called Royalists, and were firm believers of the king. In 1642. The English Civil war began. Cromwell was given the position of officer, in charge of a handful of troops, and with no experience of war. But Cromwell had some inner belief, that he said was down to the works of god .In 1643 Cromwell’s brilliance shone through after several battles and was promoted to colonel and given command of his own cavalry. Cromwell fought many battles, and after each he would gain the respect of his follow soldiers. So in 1644 he was appointed second in command of the Eastern Association army, Parliament's largest and most effective regional army, with the rank of lieutenant-general.  It was only from about this time he started to become most prominent, for before-hand he had respect, not power. By the start of 1644 the Royalists had already
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lost in East Anglia and the East Midlands, which were now under Parliamentary order. During July 1644 he lead Parliamentarians to victory in the north, with the Battle of Marston Moor, which was not only down to their large forces.( Cromwell 22,500 men, Royalists 17,000 men) But because of Cromwell’s tactical genius. As clever positioning behind a ditch prevented cavalry attacks and prevented Royalists gaining land at a great pace.The Parliamentarians then produced a new force, out of their best soldiers; The New Model Army.....Cromwell was appointed second in command. Even after 2 years of war, the Royalists still maintained ...

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