Cromwell and the Civil War
History: KS3, topic 10.3.3
Cromwell Fighting During and After the Civil War
Cromwell played a very important role during the Civil War. He helped bring victory for Parliament.
The 'War Party'
- Cromwell was a ‘War Party’ MP in Parliament.
- These MPs forced through several changes in Parliament:
- The Self Denying Ordinance: this forced any MP to leave the army so that Parliament and the Roundheads could be distinct.
- The ‘New Model Army’: Reorganising and re-training the roundhead army.
Cromwell in 1649
- In 1649, Cromwell went to Ireland.
- He tackled the Catholics who had rebelled in 1641. His army killed around 3,500 people in Drogheda, Ireland in September.
- He then killed 3,500 people (2,000 soldiers and 1,500 civilians) at Wexford in October.
- Cromwell is criticised for killing civilians as well as soldiers.
Cromwell in 1650
- In 1650 Cromwell went to Scotland to fight the Scots.
- He defeated them at the Battle of Dunbar in September 1650.
Cromwell in 1651
- In 1651, Cromwell fought the royalist army.
- He defeated them at the Battle of Worcester in September 1651.
Test yourself on Cromwell and the Civil War
When did Cromwell go to Ireland?
At which battle did Cromwell defeat the royalists in 1651?