Oliver Cromwell in English Civil War

How did the great battle between Oliver Cromwell and King Charles I begin?

The great battle between Oliver Cromwell and King Charles I began at first in the House of Commons. Because of revolts spreading throughout England - and especially in Protestant Scotland, King Charles decided he had to raise a new and stronger army.

When King Charles I sought large loans from bankers, and then from nobles, they both responded that they would do so only if Parliament approved, for they feared reprisal. It was the King's hope that he could get his money from Parliament and then disband it, as he'd done so many times in the past.

Demands made by the Parliament

Aware of his plans, members of Parliament, including Oliver Cromwell required him to first sign a law saying the Parliament couldn't be dissolved except by its own consent. The second condition was that the money could not be used for war against the Scots. Finally, they demanded that he grant them the right to raise troops, for they feared he might send his own troops against them, claiming they were in a state of rebellion.

Instead of responding to this demand, King Charles I ordered several hundred soldiers to invade the House of Commons and arrest the leaders who had opposed him, on grounds of treason. Oliver Cromwell was not yet prominent enough to be among those arrested, but that was soon to change.

Oliver Cromwell set out for the English civil war

King Charles, determined to strengthen his army, rode north to solicit volunteers and donations of gold and silver from the nobility all over England and Scotland. While he was gone, the House of Commons erupted into passionate debate and endless speeches about what to do about this King who had become a dictator. As they talked and talked, King Charles' army grew larger, and Oliver Cromwell grew more and more impatient. Finally, Oliver Cromwell appealed to Parliament to allow him to raise two companies of volunteers, and permission was granted. Then Captain Oliver Cromwell set out on a civil war.