Cromwell and the Republic

A cavalry general , Oliver Cromwell distinguishes himself at the time of the Civil War which explodes in England in 1642 between the King's partisans and the allies of Parliament. A puritan since his youth, he is a serious, melancholic and mystical man, typical product of the “ gentry ” from which he is descended. Member of Parliament in 1628, he supports it by raising troops among his neighbours from the outset of the war. This pragmatic soldier recognises the superiority of the opposing camp and quickly understands that victory for his side cannot be achieved without soldiers devoted to the cause. Thus he creates a model army, under the command of Sir Thomas Fairfax winning victory over the royal troops in 1646. Parliament - with no more need of the army - wishes to dismiss it while paying it as little as possible, but Cromwell defends its interests. Tensions rise to the point where a second war explodes. It ends with a “purge” of Parliament, the execution of Charles I and the proclamation in 1649 of a Republic named “The Commonwealth”. The pacification of Ireland and Scotland in the two years that follow, allows Cromwell to appear as the right man for the times, even though the Irish war is waged with particular cruelty.
Then Cromwell takes charge, dissolves Parliament in 1653 and endorses a real constitution The Instrument of Government which is drawn up to share power between a “Lord Protector”, himself, and a council of 21 members. For the first time this constitution unites England, Scotland and Ireland under the same laws. However altercations are as frequent between Cromwell and Parliament as they were before the Commonwealth, and all his attempts to re-establish the Parliament he wants, end in failure. Condemned to rule by force within the country, he uses his power to project England into international politics. He enters into war with the United Provinces, struggles against Spain, but encourages English trade and allies himself with France. Although a convinced puritan, he personally desires a liberty of conscience for all Protestants and is even in favour of the return of the jews to the Kingdom. However the security of the country also dictates his politics and puritanical conformism becomes the new orthodoxy. This man, often considered a dictator, is not a bad politician but his government's achievements are slight.
He dies at 58, feared and unpopular having failed to ensure the continuation of the régime that he put in place. Besides, during all this period, Puritanism weighs heavily on the people's social life. Conversion is made through fear and all the favourite pleasures of the English become forbidden be it the theatre, horseracing or cock fighting. Despising beauty and pomp, the puritans impose such a spiritual tyranny that the return to the throne of Charles II in 1660 is welcomed as a liberation after all these sad and dark years.