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Birth of Oliver Cromwell
Oliver Cromwell was born on April 25, 1599 in Huntingdon, England to a modest family. Little is known about his chldhood except for the facts that he recieved a standard education and was deeply affected by religion. During his young adult life he became a committed Puritan. This is significant because Oliver Cromwell became the first nonking to rule over Great Britain and he was religiously motivated throughout his reign. Source: (Oliver Cromwell) -
Jamestown is Founded
King James I gave a charter to the Virginia Company that granted them permission to establish a colony in the Chesapeske area of North America. The explorers landed 60 miles away from thier destination. Of the thousands of people who came along on this voyage to North America only a fraction of them were alive after the first year of their settlement. This is significant because Jamestown was the English's fist successfully founded colony in North America. -
Quebec is Established
Jacques Cartier named the Saint Lawrence River while sailing on it upstream. While sailing on it he discovered modern day Montreal. Later Samuel Chapman sailed further up the Saint Lawerence river and discovered land that he claimed and called Quebec. This is significant because Quebec is one of Canada's major regions. -
Japan Banishes Christianity
When Christian missionaries started to come to Japan in 1549 looking for converts they were gracioulsy welcomed by Tokagawa Ieyasu. Eventually Tokagawa feared the possiblity of religious riots so he banned Christianity from Japan. This is significant because the Japanese leaders attempted to isolate Japan and control what foreign concepts were brought into the country. -
Tokugawa Ieyasu Dies
Tokugawa Ieyasu was the founder of the Japanese military government. He was the first shogun of Japan. This is significant because the Tokugawa shogunate ruled Japan for over two centuries. -
The Pilgrims Arrive in Massachusetts
Plymouth was an English colony that was settled by the Pilgrims. The Pilgrims came to North America because they were oppressed in England because of their faith. They hoped that by coming to America they could "purify" the English Church. This is significant because Massachusetts would later become instrumental in the Revolutionary War. -
Oliver Cromwell Gets Involved in Politics
When the news of King Charles' rampage reached citizens panic spread. Several meetings were held at the House of Commons to answer people's questions. When Cromwell went to one of these meetings he asked if Parliament would allow King Charles I to bring the Catholic religion back to England. This is significant because this may have been the source of Cromwell's religious motivation to end the reign of the king. Source: (Carr 49, 50) -
Construction of the Taj Mahal begins
The Taj Mahal is one of India's most prominenmt structures. It was built in honor of Mumtaz Mahal. She was the wife of Shah Jahan who was a ruler of India. It took about 22 years to build the Taj Mahal. This is significant because the Taj Mahal is considered to be one of the most ornate buildings in the world. -
Cromwell Joins the Military
Oliver Cromwell joined the Parliamentary Army in 1642 and was eventually promoted as the head of the ‘Horse’ of cavalry. Cromwell was instrumental in Parliament's success against King Charles I. Cromwell helped to create and lead the New Model Army which was Britain's first national army. Source: (Sproxton; Cromwell) -
Cromwell Abolishes the Monarchy
In August of 1651 Charles II aimed to relcaim the throne after his father Charles I was beheadded.Oliver Cromwell triumphed against Charles in an overwhelimng battle at Worcester in the same year. This is significant because Cromwell's victory forced Charles II to go into hiding until Cromwell's death. Source: (Phillips 151) -
Cromwell Ends the Rump Parliament
When Cromwell gained greater influence he grew impatient with the Rump Parliament and eventually orderd them to go home in the name of God. He hated their deisre for the return of King Charles I because he felt that they had given him ample chances to return to the throne and that he was not fit to be king. He later introduced a new form of government that ended up failing. This is significant because Oliver Cromwell became more of a dictator. Source: (Phillips 150) -
Oliver Cromwell is in Charge
Eventhough Cromwell did not assume the title of king, he had the power of one. He became Lord Protector shortly after defeating King Charles in the Battle of Naseby. He refused government offers to become king twice. This is significant because Oliver Cromwell was the only nonking to rule over Britain. Source: (Phillips 150, 151) -
Oliver Cromwell Stands for Freedom of Religion
After the execution of King Charles I, Parliament gathered to reform their constitution. This new constitution had numerous laws that would restrict freedom of worship. This appaled Cromwell because he believed in spiritual liberalism. Therefore he dissolved this Parliament. This is significant because beofore Cromwell people were rarelry given the right to practice whatever faith they chose. Source: (Phillips 151; Cromwell) -
Cromwell Attempts to Reform Government
After dissolving the Rump Parliament, Oliver Cromwell needed to replace it with a new system. He divided England into 12 regions and hired a general to govern each region. This system did not last long and was eventually replaced with another Parliament. This is significant because although it did not succeed, Cromwell exposed England to a government system that was not under the direct rule of one person. Source: (Phillips 151)
*The exact day was not given for this event. -
Oliver Cromwell Dos Not Wish to be King
When Parliament was restored the House of Commons asked Cromwell once more to be their king. After strongly considering it, Cromell declined the offer. He was convined that monarchies led to tyranny. This is significant because by declining the proposal to become king, Oliver Cromwell proved this that his religious motivations were sincere. Source: (Phillips 151)
*The exact dates for this event are unknown. -
Death of Cromwell
Oliver Cromwell died in early September at 59 years old. His son, Richard Cromwell assumed the title Lord Protector which defeated the purpose of abolishing the monarchy. Richard Cromwell ruled for a short period of eight months. This is significant because the death of Cromwell marked the return of a monarchy in Britain. Source: (Phillips 151)
