Cromwell's achievement was amazing. He transformed the social and political establishment of his day. Parliament's victory in the Civil War owed him an immense debt. He played a dominant role in the execution of Charles I, he defeated the royalists in Scotland and Ireland, bringing those recalcitrant outbacks into England's orbit. Cromwell's achievement abroad was equally impressive. He founded the British Empire based on seapower and trade. He held office for five years as Lord Protector. Only after his death did the republic fall. Who can match such a record? How did he do it?
