The English Civil War was a defining conflict that shaped British democracy. It was fought between those who supported Parliament and those who supported King Charles I.
Causes
The war had several causes: - **Religious tensions** - Disputes over the Church of England - **Money** - Charles I tried to raise taxes without Parliament's consent - **Power struggle** - Who should rule: King or Parliament? - **Scotland** - Charles's attempt to impose Anglican worship on Scotland
Charles I believed in the "divine right of kings" - that his power came from God and Parliament had no right to limit it.
The War (1642-1651)
The Sides - **Royalists (Cavaliers)** - Supported King Charles I - **Parliamentarians (Roundheads)** - Supported Parliament, led by Oliver Cromwell
Key Events - **1642** - War begins; Battle of Edgehill (inconclusive) - **1644** - Battle of Marston Moor (Parliament victory) - **1645** - Battle of Naseby (decisive Parliament victory) - **1646** - Charles surrenders to the Scots - **1648** - Second Civil War; Charles captured again - **1649** - Charles I executed; England becomes a republic
The Commonwealth (1649-1660)
After the war, England became a republic called the Commonwealth: - Oliver Cromwell ruled as Lord Protector (1653-1658) - The monarchy and House of Lords were abolished - Strict Puritan laws were imposed
The Restoration (1660)
After Cromwell died, his son Richard could not maintain control. In 1660, Parliament invited Charles II to return as King - this is called the Restoration.
Legacy
The Civil War established that: - Parliament has power over taxation - The King cannot rule without Parliament - No one is above the law