Question

What can you infer that Cromwell meant when he stated that the death of the king was a "cruel necessity"? He was ashamed and filled with regret about the execution. He was sad about the execution but satisfied with the result. He was fearful that he would be punished for taking part in the execution. He was proud of the execution and believed the country was better off.

Answer 1

The correct answer is He was sad about the execution but satisfied with the result. Cromwell was an English military and political leader, who entered the English Civil Wars (1642–1651) on the side of the Roundheads or Parliamentarians and, due to his commanding capacities, became one of the main commanders of the New Model Army, which played a very important part in defeating King Charles I and his supporters (Cavaliers/Royalists). Cromwell was the one who pushed towards the execution of King Charles I because he believed that there would be no settlement in England while the king lived. Therefore, this cruel act of violence (the King’s execution) was necessary to free England from the rule of a tyrant, who had been condemned as a traitor to his own nation; this is why it can be said that, though Cromwell was not happy with the execution, he was satisfied with the result.

Answer 2

The correct answer is that: Cromwell was sad about the execution but satisfied with the result. The night after King Charles I was beheaded, Oliver Cromwell slowly climbed the stairs with his face hidden in a cloak, approached the king's body, looked at it with great attention for some time, shook his head, sighed and exclaimed: " cruel need, "then slowly left as he had entered.