The characterization of Oliver Cromwell as a deeply puritanical Christian who wanted to control people's behavior is well-supported by the historical record. Cromwell was a devout Puritan who, as Lord Protector (1653–1658), imposed extensive moral and behavioral controls on English society. Key evidence includes: 1. **The Rule of the Major-Generals (1655–1657):** Cromwell divided England into regions governed by major-generals who were tasked with, among other things, "a reformation of manners" — suppressing vice and encouraging virtue. They clamped down on heavy drinking, music, dancing, fairs, and Christmas celebrations. 2. **Moral legislation:** Strict morality laws were passed prohibiting swearing, flirting, theater, field sports, and even traditional celebrations of Christmas and Easter. Dress was strictly regulated, as was personal conduct on the Sabbath. Ale houses were closed, and May Day celebrations were suppressed. 3. **Cultural suppression:** Theaters remained closed from 1642 to 1656 due to Puritan condemnation. Horse races, cockfights, wrestling, and bear/bull baiting were forbidden. Maypoles were pulled down. Music was frowned upon except in hymns. 4. **Military governance:** The regime is widely described by historians as a military dictatorship, with Cromwell controlling the army that controlled the government. The phrase "want to control everybody" is somewhat hyperbolic — Cromwell did tolerate a range of Protestant sects, for instance. But the core assertion, that Cromwell as a puritanical Christian imposed extensive controls on people's daily lives and behavior, is well-supported by the historical record. The slight hyperbole in "everybody" is characteristic of the conversational context (an interview, not a scholarly claim), and does not materially distort the historical reality. Sources: - Wikipedia, "Rule of the Major-Generals" (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_the_Major_Generals) - EBSCO Research Starters, "Censorship during the English Commonwealth" (https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/politics-and-government/censorship-during-english-commonwealth) - History Learning, "Life in England under Oliver Cromwell" (https://historylearning.com/stuart-england/cromwell-england/) - Will Durant, "Puritan Heyday – Cromwell 1649–60" (https://erenow.org/modern/the-age-of-louis-xiv/48.php) - University of Sheffield New Histories, "No more cakes and ale" (https://newhistories.sites.sheffield.ac.uk/volumes/2010-11/volume-2/issue-3-festivals-and-celebration/no-more-cakes-and-ale-attacks-on-christmas-in-the-british-civil-war-peri)