Crom·well  (krŏm'wěl', -wəl, krŭm'-)  English military, political, and religious figure who led the Parliamentarian victory in the English Civil War (1642-1649) and called for the execution of Charles I. As lord protector of England (1653-1658) he ruled as a virtual dictator. His son Richard (1626-1712) succeeded him briefly as lord protector (1658-1659) before the restoration of the monarchy under Charles II. Crom·well'i·an adj. |
An English Puritan political leader and general of the seventeenth century. He led the army of parliament to victory over King Charles I in the English Civil War and afterward emerged as ruler of the nation under the title Lord Protector of the Commonwealth. A skillful general and administrator, and a ruthless dictator (see dictatorship), he was particularly harsh in his suppression of rebellion in Ireland. After his death, monarchy was soon restored. (See Restoration.)