Was Oliver Cromwell more of a dictator or a pioneer?

It was true that Oliver never ruled without checks and balances, and the parliament remained to be his major source of headache till his last day. However, if one day older did not make one old, then he never grew old. read more

Cromwell's desire for power was definitely not below average, but he was more chosen by circumstances than was self-made: at the beginning of Cromwell's military career, there was at least one serious attempt to impeach Cromwell in 1644, but it was decided not to proceed when people realized that the choice was between Cromwell and military defeat. read more

Supported by the military, Cromwell ruled as DICTATOR, with the title of "Lord Protector." He possessed the absolute power of a monarch, but refused to be named king. His government did not gain widespread popular support because many Englishmen disapproved of government by military dictatorship. read more

Ultimately the King was beheaded, a Republic established, and Cromwell established himself as the foremost leader of the Parliamentary faction. After several campaigns against both the Scots and the Irish (among the most violent and ruthless in British history), Cromwell returned to England. read more