The English Civil War is one of the most famous wars in history and it has been studied by many historians. It was fought between two groups: The King was Charles I and his supporters were known as Royalists or Cavaliers. On the other hand, those who supported Parliament were called Roundheads or Parliamentarians. The main cause of this war was religion.
The Parliamentarians were mainly Puritans from the north of England, who wanted to change the church into a Presbyterian Church. They also wanted to abolish bishops’ seats in parliament and make parliament supreme over all matters of state. Also, they felt they had a right to control how money was spent by the king because they passed laws demanding taxes be paid by citizens to fund war efforts against France (at this time).
The Royalists were mainly Anglican Protestants from southern England who wanted to maintain religious unity and keep bishops’ seats in parliament and make parliament supreme over all matters of state. Charles I believed that as king, he had certain rights and privileges that no one could take away from him. He also believed that he should be able to rule without interference from Parliament or anyone else. He believed that his kingship came directly from God, not from human beings like Parliament.
The Civil War ended when Charles lost his head – literally! He was beheaded by Parliamentary forces in 1649 after being defeated at the Battle of Worcester in 1651.
