CROMWELL, Oliver (1599-1658):
English PURITAN general and democrat who championed the
rights of commoners against King Charles I and aristocracy. He founded the New Model Army
which he led to victory in the English Civil War. After Charles I threatened a second
civil war, Cromwell supported his execution. He ruthlessly subdued the Royalist rebellion
in Ireland (1649-1650) believing that his actions would prevent further bloodshed. He was
made Lord Protector in 1653 and ruled by ordinances confirmed by Parliament. He
reorganized the CHURCH OF ENGLAND, protected QUAKERS and JEWS and favored religious
toleration. His actions ensured that England would be ruled by Parliament and not ABSOLUTE
Kings.
