Oliver Cromwell and Ireland

Oliver Cromwell was...

• An English politician.

• A military leader.

• A middle-class landowner.

• All of them are correct.

Answer explanation

For the first forty years of his life he was a middle-class landowner, then he arose as an important English politcal and military leader of the 17th century.

After the establishment of the Republic (1649-1653), Cromwell ruled only England until the day of his death (1658).

• True.

• False.

Answer explanation

Actually, Cromwell also ruled Scotland and Ireland during his days as "Lord Protector".

What important figure was executed up to the end of the English Civil Wars (1649)?

And how did it affect the British goverment system?

Answer explanation

King Charles I was executed in the year 1649, and his death meant the part-time break of the British monarchy and the establishment of the Republic.

Cromwell’s politics were strongly influenced by his religious-catholic beliefs.

• True.

• False.

Answer explanation

Cromwell’s politics were strongly influenced by his religious-puritan beliefs.

Since Cromwell was a Puritan, he...

• Believed people shouldn't spend more time praying and thinking about God.

• Respected the Catholic influence.

• Believed that the Bible should be read and studied closely.

• Didn't want to break the ties between the English Church and Catholic Church.

Answer explanation

Puritans believed that the Bible should be read and studied closely and that people should spend more time praying and thinking about God.

They didn't respect the Catholic influence and also, wanted to break the ties between the English Church and Catholic Church.

Why is Oliver Cromwell decried as a genocidal tyrant?

Answer explanation

Because of the conquest that he carried out in Ireland. His forces were responsible for killing at least 3,000 Irish soldiers and civilians by arguing that God was on their side.

What Cromwell did to ensure his victory during the conquest of Ireland?

• Threatened locals to provide extra resources for his army.

• Encouraged farmers and merchants to resume trade and warned his soldiers not to harm them.

• Tried to solve the conflict through a civilized way.

• Exploited his army.

Answer explanation

Astutely, Cromwell convinced farmers and merchants to resume trade and warned his soldiers that he would punish those who harmed civilians and of course, them.

By the end of January 1650, Cromwell controlled almost the entire eastern, northern and southern coasts of Ireland.

• True.

• False.

Who succeeded Oliver Cromwell?

Answer explanation

Oliver Cromwell was replaced by his son, Richard Cromwell. However, in 1660 he resigned from his position and Charles II was crowned king, ending with England's eleven-years Republic period and starting the Restoration period.