Advanced Placement (AP) World History Practice Exam 2026 - Free AP World History Practice Questions and Study Guide

Oliver Cromwell was a significant figure in English history, known primarily for his role as a military leader during the English Civil War. He was a general who led the parliamentary army, known as the New Model Army, against the Royalists who supported King Charles I. Cromwell's leadership and strategic military skills were crucial in securing victories for the Parliament, which ultimately led to the trial and execution of Charles I and the establishment of the Commonwealth of England, where Cromwell served as Lord Protector.

His tenure as a military and political leader marked a pivotal transition in English governance, moving away from monarchy towards a republican form of government, albeit a rule often seen as authoritarian. His influence persisted beyond the Civil War, shaping debates about governance, authority, and civil rights in England. Cromwell is remembered as a controversial figure, both praised for his military prowess and criticized for his authoritarian rule.