Cromwell As A Soldier-Sources

Both sources seem to display an array of personal talents that aided Cromwell in his rise during the 1640s. Principally these appear to be military strengths, yet from many points we can infer strength of character that extends beyond the military arena. Given that a power base and supporters are a prerequisite for a rise to prominence that Cromwell was Parliaments most successful recruiter seems to be a key attribute for his success. Furthermore his aptitude for military genius and skill in handling cavalry displayed within in him a rarity of talent but also a distinction that was able to set him above others and hence abet his rise into a leading position by 1645. It seems that his talents were what led to his appointment as Lieutenant-General of the army of the Eastern Association and as a member in the Committee of Both Kingdoms. According to Firth these appointments had important results, political as well as military. It is here that we see Cromwells own personal, military ability leading to an appointment that gave him the political power that launched him into a position from which he could rise to prominence. And what is more it was once again his own talents that projected him from that base as the spirit of his own regiment...spread to the whole army of the Eastern Association. Thus it was once again his personal traits that allowed him to rise politically in the latter stages of the war. However both sources contain some evidence suggesting other factors, but also that it was opportunity and luck that allowed his talents to come to fruition. From the first Kishlansky claims the First Civil War was Cromwells godsend. This is because it allows Cromwell to establish himself, he is elected MP for the town of Cambridge, and was an active officer. Not only does the war allow him to bring his talents to bear from these resulting positions but it also vindicates his gamble in seizing the college silver in 1641, which would have resulted in severe reprimand had war not broken out. There seem to be suggestions that Cromwell was guided by faith and his letters frequently allude to a god-sent victory perhaps insinuating that Cromwell himself believed that his position as one of the Elect was as much the cause of his success as any other factor. Kishlansky asserts he was able to win every engagement he ever entered. This however, is not strictly true as Cromwells troops are beaten off in Essexs defeat in Withel, and it is only luck that prevents him being routed like all the other cavalry at Edgehill, that luck being that he arrived after the battle had finished. As far as his talents extend and their role in his rise is clear, had they not been given the opportunity to be utilised Cromwell would have most probably remained a simple gentry figure and have had little or no consequence on English History. As it is war broke at exactly the right moment for him and from there he needed nothing more than his own talents and a fair helping of luck to take full advantage and begin his rise into prominence.