Oliver Cromwell
Oliver Cromwell was a British military and political leader who rose to power in the mid-17th century during the English Civil War. In 1653, Cromwell delivered a speech dissolving the Rump Parliament, which had been established after the execution of King Charles I.
It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonoured by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice; ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government; ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money. Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess? Ye have no more religion than my horse; gold is your God; which of you have not barter'd your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth? Ye sordid prostitutes have you not defil'd this sacred place, and turn'd the Lord's temple into a den of thieves, by your immoral principles and wicked practices? Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation; you were deputed here by the people to get grievances redress'd, are yourselves gone! So! Take away that shining bauble there, and lock up the doors. In the name of God, go!
Oliver Cromwell, speech dissolving the Rump Parliament, 1653
Question 1
Identify one way in which the excerpt expresses anti-democratic ideas.
Question 2
Describe the historical context in which the excerpt was written.
Question 3
Explain one way the political instability surrounding the English Civil War set the stage for the Glorious Revolution.
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