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Oliver Cromwell dominated English political life for almost 20 years. He served as a
military leader for the parliamentary forces in the 1640s. He took a leading role in the
capture and execution of King Charles I. When Parliament was unable to rule the
country effectively, he seized power in 1653, becoming, in effect, a military dictator.
In this letter, he writes to a fellow soldier to calm his doubts about the righteousness
of the parliamentary cause. Charles I was executed two months later. ♦ As you read,
think about how religion shaped Cromwell’s understanding of his duty as a soldier. Then, on
a separate sheet of paper, answer the questions that follow.
1. What question about the army does
Cromwell ask Colonel Hammond to answer
for himself?
3. Activity Write an essay on the role of religion in soldiers’ lives. Then break into groups
to discuss each member’s point of view.
2. Summarize Summarize Cromwell’s letter, in
your own words. What are his three main
points and his conclusion?
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