Cromwellian Conquest of Ireland

The Cromwellian Conquest of Ireland (1649-1653) refers to the military campaign led by Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War. After the execution of King Charles I, Cromwell aimed to subdue Ireland, which was seen as a royalist stronghold. His forces used brutal tactics to defeat Irish armies and suppress resistance. The conquest led to widespread land confiscations from the Irish, significant loss of life, and a deepened anti-English sentiment. The aftermath reshaped Irish society, establishing Protestant dominance and laying the groundwork for future conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in Ireland.