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Richard Cromwell

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Submitted By michaelacolgla
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October 19, 2012
Richard Cromwell Have you ever wished that you came from a royal family? Well lucky for Richard Cromwell, his father was a very wealthy man. He was Lord Protector from 25 December 1653 to 3 September 1658 (“Collins, Jacquelin” Dictionary 380). After his father passed away, Richard took his role of Protector. He took office in 1658 immediately after the death of his father, and lasted in office all the way to 25 May 1659 (“Cromwell Richard”Encyclopaedia Britannica). This shows what type of leader he was. Richard had mostly ineffective qualities such as being unable to protect the parliament, lack of experience, and inability to use money wisely. Oliver Cromwell for the most part, was a good leader. He did not like having the Parliament in charge of England. He knew the Parliament was treating the Army poorly, so when he took office, the first thing he did was take the Army’s side. He really pushed the execution of Charles I (“Collins, Jacquelin” Dictionary 380). For a while everyone loved Oliver but by the end of his term, he became a much hated man. The citizens became tired of having such strict rules. Why did he feel he needed to be so strict on the citizens? After his death, his body was exhumed and his head was placed on a pole above the West Minister Hall (“Collins, Jacquelin” Dictionary 381).
Richard Cromwell took his father’s place as Lord Protector of the Common Wealth. Richard was born on 4 October, 1626. His parents were Oliver Cromwell and Elizabeth Bourchier. Richard was their oldest surviving son which is why his father chose him to carry on his role as leader of the Commonwealth (“Cromwell, Richard” Britannica Biographies). He married Dorothy Mayor in May of 1649. He seemed to be a good choice in the beginning. They quickly realized he was not a good choice at all.
Richard was unable to protect the Parliament his father built. There was a power struggle between the Parliament and Army. Richard ended up dissolving the Parliament on April 21, 1659. Richard had no major military experience which did not help him with this position. Also he could not use his money wisely. He ran his country into debt due to his “idleness” living (“Cavendish, Richard” Richard Cromwell Resigns as Lord Protector). Richard did not have a clue of what he needed to do to be a great leader.
Richard’s leadership style was very demanding. Instead of having an experienced military officer for commander, Richard thought he would be a better leader for the Army. After about a year, the Army decided to overthrow Richard(“Fitzgibbons, Jonathan” Not in Any Doubtfull Dispute). They made a deal with him saying that if he resigned, they would pay off his pension and all his troubles. When Charles I took over, he ended up not paying off Richards cut. Richard deserved this if you ask me. He did a horrendous job at being a leader.
Richard Cromwell was not a good leader for England. He did not protect the Parliament nor did he fulfill his father’s shoes. He was such a terrible leader that his nickname was “Tumble-Down Dick” (“Cavendish, Richard” Richard Cromwell Resigns as Lord Protector). He ended up moving back to Cheshunt and went by John Clarke instead of Richard Cromwell. There, he died on12 July 1712 (aged 85) (“Richard Cromwell” Dictionary). This proves that not always having the next generation of your family is the best to fulfill your role. I think the people of England realized this after Richard took place of Oliver.

Works Cited
Cavendish, Richard. "Richard Cromwell Resigns as Lord Protector." History Today 59.5 (2009): 12-12. MAS Ultra - School Edition. Web. 17 Sept. 2012. <http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ulh&AN=40401102&site=src-live>.
Collins, Jacquelin. "Oliver Cromwell." The 17th and 18th Centuries. By Jacquelin Collins. Chicago: Fitzroy Dearborn, 1999. 378-80. Print. Vol. IV of Dictionary of World Biography.
"Cromwell, Richard." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Chicago IL: Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2012. N. pag. Middle Search Plus. Web. 9 Nov. 2012. <http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=mih&AN=32407520&site=src-live>.
Fitzgibbons, Jonathan. "‘Not in Any Doubtfull Dispute’? Reassessing the Nomination of Richard Cromwell." Historical Research 83.220 (2010): 281-300. Academic Search Premier. Web. 9 Nov. 2012. <http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=48744469&site=ehost-live&scope=site>.
"Richard Cromwell.” Merriam Webster's Biographical Dictionary. Springfield, MA: n.p., 2012. N. pag. Gale Biography in Context. Web. 14 Sept. 2012. <http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/bic1/ReferenceDetailsPage/ReferenceDetailsWindow?failOverType=&query=&prodId=BIC1&windowstate=normal&contentModules=&mode=view&displayGroupName=Reference&limiter=&currPage=&disableHighlighting=false&source=&sortBy=&displayGroups=&action=e&catId=&activityType=&scanId=&documentId=GALE%7CK1680145646&userGroupName=inspire&jsid=d55faae95c2ad4e000dcdce7751ff091>.
"Richard Cromwell." Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th Edition. 6th ed. New York: Columbia UP, 2011. N. pag. Middle Search Plus. Web. 9 Nov. 2012. <http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=mih&AN=39001384&site=src-live>.

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