Cromwell's Rise to Power During the War
- Not until radicalization of the army in 1647 did Cromwell become a more
important figure in the army than Fairfax. His importance did not stem from
his military victories, bur rather from his exclusion from the self-denying
ordinance, allowing him a position as the only member of the army who was
also a member of Parliament.
- Contrary to popular view, Cromwell was a strong voice for restraint in Parliament.
His reputation for radicalism comes from the positions he would later take
as Lord Protector. Although he was a religious independent, he rarely favored
the most extreme course of action, opposing radical groups and positions such
as the Levellers and the abolition of tithes. Indeed, for many years, he believed
that negotiation with Charles was still possible.