Oliver Cromwell of Huntingdon, England, was a man driven by religious zeal, and through this became one of the most influential political/military leaders of Britain’s history during England’s civil war. Though Britain was most directly affected, the American colonies were not outside his circle of influence. Ideas for revolution, religion, republicanism and also his lack of intervention in the colonies trade would eventually influence the colonies striving for independence. Cromwell was born into a family of some stature: His maternal lineage traced back to royalty, and his paternal lineage held power in Parliament. Cromwell would eventually undergo a religious transformation into what was known as an Independent Puritan, holding much value in a personal approach to scripture, as well as objecting to clergy, specifically presbyteries, being the source of guidance within the church. This became a central point of feud within Parliament, once Cromwell entered in 1640. …show more content…
One of Cromwell’s major sources of success with the army was his soldiers devotion to his cause, and he is quoted as saying, “I would rather have a plain russet-coated captain that knows what he fights for, and loves what he knows, than that which you would call a gentleman and nothing else.” Cromwell would eventually lead revolutionaries in the regicide of King Charles I. After the end of the Civil War, Oliver Cromwell would be named the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth, Britain’s attempt at republicanism. Though the Commonwealth was short-lived, only lasting until Cromwell’s death to be succeeded by King Charles II, in the returning to monarchy in English Restoration; the republican Commonwealth would become a base for American