jan 1, 1653 - Oliver Cromwell

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Perhaps the only military dictator in English history, Oliver Cromwell is among the most controversial of figures across the British Isles and abroad.

Cromwell was a devout puritan who supported the Parliamentary cause in the English civil wars. Originally the MP for Cambridge, Cromwell quickly rose through the ranks of the Parliamentary army for his great military aptitude, being one of the most capable of the "Roundhead" leaders. After the civil wars ended, Oliver Cromwell eventually removed parliament from power, and ruled as a dictator. In this time he intervened in European wars and politics, reformed the English Army, ended the 400 year long expulsion of Jews, allowing them to move to and live in England, and helped restore English prestige ultimately helping to lay the foundations for the British Empire.

He also waged bloody wars in Ireland, seeking to pacify its population, in conduct that amounted to genocide and ruled as a tyrant. In this he enforced his own view of what society should be. His regime would be based on the high degree of support he received from the military but would collapse soon after his death.

Cromwell would die in 1658 after 5 years of Rule as Lord Protector of England, and having spent several years prior effectively running the country through a "Rump Parliament". He would be succeeded by his son Richard, who would prove incapable of providing the leadership Cromwell had. One of Cromwell's former subordinates, General Monck, marched on London and brought about the chain of events that would lead to the restoration of the English monarchy under Charles II.

Cromwell's body would be exhumed and put on display as a warning to those who sided with him and any who opposed the monarchy.

Cromwell would become an icon to groups as wide-ranging as Socialists, Republicans, English nationalists and Fascists among others. Meanwhile he would be loathed by groups as wide ranging as British monarchists, Irish nationalists, and most mainstream Liberals and many socialists.

This deeply conflicting legacy is perhaps best illustrated by the statue of him that sits outside Parliament which took around forty years just to get approval for.

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