Oliver Cromwell

Question 1

Who was Cromwell?

Answer 1

A Puritan leader who became a significant political and military figure in England.

Question 2

When did Cromwell become a Member of Parliament (MP)?

Answer 2

In 1640.

Question 3

What role did Cromwell play during the English Civil War?

Answer 3

He became a successful general of the parliamentary forces.

Question 4

What was Cromwell’s relationship with the army and Parliament?

Answer 4

He served as a link between Parliament and the army.

Question 5

By the early 1650s, what was Cromwell’s status in England?

Answer 5

He had become the most powerful man in England.

Question 6

What title was Cromwell given in 1653?

Answer 6

Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England.

Question 7

What motivated Cromwell’s political actions?

Answer 7

His deep religious beliefs and the conviction to enact God’s will.

Question 8

What significant military action did Cromwell take in 1649?

Answer 8

He took the New Model Army to Ireland.

Question 9

The events that unfolded in Ireland under Cromwell are remembered with _______.

Answer 9

[great controversy].

Question 10

What significant political change occurred in England after Charles I?

Answer 10

England became a republic instead of a monarchy

This shift fundamentally altered the system of government.

Question 11

What was the effect of Charles I’s absence on the power structure in England?

Answer 11

The balance of power shifted firmly to Parliament

This change marked a significant transition in governance.

Question 12

What frustration did Cromwell experience regarding Parliament?

Answer 12

Cromwell became frustrated because he thought Parliament was serving its own interests

This dissatisfaction led to significant actions on his part.

Question 13

What action did Cromwell take against the Rump Parliament?

Answer 13

He closed the Rump Parliament down

This was a decisive move in consolidating his power.

Question 14

What title did Cromwell assume after closing the Rump Parliament?

Answer 14

Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England

This title indicated his leadership role in the new government structure.

Question 15

How did Cromwell rule England after becoming Lord Protector?

Answer 15

He ruled with the help of his generals

This military support was crucial in maintaining his authority.

Question 16

What form of governance did England become under Cromwell?

Answer 16

England soon became a military dictatorship

This marked a significant departure from traditional governance.

Question 17

What title did Cromwell decline when offered?

Answer 17

He turned down the title of King

This decision reflected his commitment to republicanism despite his authoritarian rule.

Question 18

What was one of the main reasons Cromwell went to Ireland?

Answer 18

To finally crush all support for his old foe

Question 19

What event horrified Cromwell, prompting his actions in Ireland?

Answer 19

The massacres in Ulster during the 1641 Irish rebellion

Question 20

What economic reason influenced Cromwell’s decision to go to Ireland?

Answer 20

To find a way to pay back loans and pay the New Model Army’s soldiers

Question 21

What could land in Ireland be used for according to Cromwell’s plans?

Answer 21

To pay debts

Question 22

When did the Irish rebellion begin?

Answer 22

1641

Question 23

What action did the English Parliament take in 1647 regarding Ireland?

Answer 23

Sent a small force to regain control of Ireland

Question 24

When did Cromwell arrive in Dublin with his expeditionary force?

Answer 24

August 1649

Question 25

What was the status of supplies for Cromwell's forces upon arriving in Ireland?

Answer 25

Well supplied because the civil war was over

Question 26

What was the first major military action taken by Cromwell's forces in Ireland?

Answer 26

Laid siege to Drogheda in September 1649

Question 27

What happened to the town that was invited to surrender?

Answer 27

It refused to surrender

Question 28

What was the approximate population of the town mentioned?

Answer 28

3500 people

Question 29

How many civilians were approximately in the town?

Answer 29

About 100 civilians

Question 30

When was Wexford seized by the new model army?

Answer 30

Late 1649

Question 31

When did Cromwell return to England after his campaign?

Answer 31

May 1650

Question 32

What continued under the command of Henry Ireton in 1651?

Answer 32

Small scale fighting

Question 33

What was the final royalist-held town in Ireland that surrendered?

Answer 33

Galway

Question 34

When did Galway surrender?

Answer 34

May 1652

Question 35

Was the siege of Drogheda justified?

Answer 35

Yes

Question 36

What was standard practice in the 17th century for towns that refused to surrender?

Answer 36

They would be granted 'no quarter'

Question 37

How many people died in total during the siege?

Answer 37

Around 3500 people

Question 38

What did Cromwell view his campaign in Ireland as a way to do?

Answer 38

To punish those involved in the 1641 massacres

Question 39

What town had not fallen during the 1641 rebellion?

Answer 39

Arogenda

Question 40

Why did Cromwell treat the town harshly?

Answer 40

To encourage other towns to surrender more willingly

Question 41

What was the hoped outcome of treating the town harshly?

Answer 41

To avoid future bloodshed

Question 42

What happened to prisoners during the siege?

Answer 42

They were executed

Question 43

What event led to the Cromwellian Settlement?

Answer 43

The departure of 35,000 Irish soldiers to fight in European wars. ## Footnote This left Ireland vulnerable and contributed to Cromwell's control.

Question 44

What happened to those suspected of involvement in the 1641 events?

Answer 44

They were forced to leave their traditional land in Ulster and move to Connaught. ## Footnote Connaught was a poorer region in the west of Ireland.

Question 45

What increased the tension between Protestants and Catholics during the Cromwellian Settlement?

Answer 45

The forced relocation of suspected individuals and Cromwell's military actions. ## Footnote This created a more polarized society.

Question 46

How did historians' views on Oliver Cromwell change over time?

Answer 46

In the nineteenth century, he was seen as an inhuman monster, but opinions have shifted. ## Footnote Modern historians often have a more nuanced view.

Question 47

What was Cromwell's motive for taking the New Model Army to Ireland?

Answer 47

To get revenge on Catholics involved in the Irish rebellion. ## Footnote This reflects the deep animosity stemming from the rebellion.

Question 48

What did Cromwell order his soldiers to do with rebel soldiers who refused to surrender?

Answer 48

To kill all the rebel soldiers. ## Footnote This highlights the brutal tactics employed during the campaign.

Question 49

What justification did some have for Cromwell's harsh treatment of the Irish?

Answer 49

The horror stories he heard from the Irish rebellion. ## Footnote Reports included extreme violence such as mutilation and killings.

Question 50

Fill in the blank: Cromwell's actions in Ireland were often seen as a form of _______.

Answer 50

[revenge].

Question 51

True or False: Cromwell was universally viewed as a hero by historians.

Answer 51

False. ## Footnote Views on Cromwell have varied widely over time.

Question 52

What region were the displaced Irish forced to move to?

Answer 52

Connaught. ## Footnote This area was less prosperous compared to their original lands.

Question 53

What atrocities were reported during the Irish rebellion that influenced Cromwell's actions?

Answer 53

Cutting off hands and feet, beating women with poles. ## Footnote Such reports fueled Cromwell's desire for harsh retribution.