Oliver Cromwell – The Lord Protector

by Bazza1972 in History, October 21, 2009

After the execution of the king and the declaration of a republic, Cromwell was the most powerful person in Britain. His importance was formally recognised in 1653 when he was made Lord Protector. Historians have argued as to whether Cromwell was a dictator or a tyrant. Ashley for instance asserts that he was not as Parliaments of one type or another met during the republic, he also had to take note of the Council of State. Schama states that Cromwell was not arrogant enough to be a dictator or a king, in effect he was looking after Britain till he could find a replacement for monarchy.

Just like Charles I, he found Parliament impossible to work with. After dissolving the Rump, the Barebones Assembly lasted five months before dissolving itself. The other Parliaments of the Protectorate were also dissolved early. Cromwell was disillusioned by what he saw as the ungodliness and corruption of MPs, and could use the army expel any of them.

Cromwell was undoubtedly a remarkable man who did the most to turn Parliament’s advantages in terms of wealth, resources and manpower into total victory. A ruthless, sometimes brilliant soldier he could not turn his military victories into long term political stability. Cromwell was convinced he was serving the will of God, which was why he declined the offer of the throne. It could be argued that Oliver Cromwell failed to come up with a stable republic as he strived for perfection but never made up his mind as to what exactly perfection was. His inability to find a solution meant a royal restoration was inevitable.

The republican era was not a complete failure though, for military, naval and trading success laid the foundations of the British Empire. The united rule of the three republics would provide the idea of a United Kingdom ruled by a constitutional monarch.