Usurper or Peacekeeper? Redefining Oliver Cromwell

Abstract

The reign of Oliver Cromwell as Lord Protector is often portrayed as the reign of a revolutionary. A reexamination of Cromwell’s actions and political stance presents a different perspective from the traditional historical perspective. As a prominent leader of the New Model Army that allowed Charles I to be executed Oliver Cromwell is painted as a usurper, however his behavior is not of a rebel leader, but a peacekeeper striving to prevent a complete crisis. Oliver Cromwell actively sought to maintain both legitimacy and peace in English rule through his role as Lord Protector of the English Commonwealth.