(04-17-2009 08:20 AM)Fo Shizzle Wrote:  I admit ignorance of much world history. I was government educated.

I'll check him out...thanks

oh there's much you wouldn't like, in the 21st century, just saying overall in a 17th century context. He was a Puritan, though he did value order over his ideals, while in power. He did some things that you probably would not consider libertarian at all domestically as well. However, for example John Derbyshire who is basically a Libertarian(and English) at NRO likes him, which suprised me because he's a darwinian atheist as well.

its linked to his Puritian beliefs, but basically he didn't beleive in human Kings, he beleived in only One King and law giver(Jesus) and man should never play that role. Hated Monarchs, and once he gained power he called himself "Lord Protector" and tried to setup a commonwealth/republic in the 17th century. lasted to his death and he was bascially/practically a military dictator at the time. He was offered the Crown and refused it, again because of ideological/religious reasons.

years after his death once the Royalist took back over, they dug up his body and beheaded him(in payback I suppose for beheading Charles I). He was a monumental, and controversial to this day(see Irish Catholics for one example) figure of our shared history with Great Britain.


Cromwell also gave what amounts as the First, of several, "Evil Empire" speeches when making his case for War against Spain.

Much of the Carribean is English speaking/influenced today in large part due to his "Western Design" foreign policy to take it to the Spaniards.