Interpretations of Oliver Cromwell's Role in the English Civil War

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores different historical interpretations of Oliver Cromwell's role in the English Civil War, encouraging students to compare perspectives and evaluate their validity.

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Interpretations of Oliver Cromwell's Role in the English Civil War

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Contrasting Historian Perspectives on Oliver Cromwell

Historian A: John Morrill – Political Perspective

"John Morrill emphasizes Cromwell's role as a stabilizing leader who sought to establish parliamentary sovereignty and religious tolerance. Morrill views Cromwell as a pragmatic politician who navigated complex political divisions to shape the future of England. He argues that Cromwell's military leadership and constitutional reforms were essential in ending the chaos of the Civil War and laying the groundwork for constitutional monarchy, despite his controversial actions during the Protectorate."

Historian B: David L. Smith – Social Perspective

"David L. Smith interprets Cromwell primarily as a social reformer who aimed to transform English society. He highlights Cromwell's efforts to promote Puritan morality, suppress traditional religious practices, and enforce moral discipline. Smith suggests that Cromwell's focus on social order and religious purity contributed to social divisions and unrest, viewing his leadership as ultimately divisive and disruptive to the social fabric of England."

B

Questions on Interpretations

1.
Summarize each historian's view on Cromwell's role in the Civil War. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Compare the reasons why Morrill and Smith interpret Cromwell differently. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
3.
Evaluate which historian's interpretation is more convincing and explain why. (8 marks)
[8 marks]
4.
Outline the main differences between the two historians' views. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
5.
Explain why historians might choose different perspectives when studying Cromwell. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
6.
Which interpretation do you find more convincing and why? (8 marks)
[8 marks]
7.
Outline the importance of considering multiple perspectives when studying history. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
8.
Explain how the different perspectives on Cromwell can influence our understanding of his legacy. (6 marks)
[6 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet