The English Civil War (1642–1651)

During the seventeenth century, disputes arose between the monarch and Parliament over the limits of royal power, religion, and taxation. Charles I believed in the divine right of kings — that his authority came from God and could not be challenged. Parliament disagreed and wanted greater control over government and taxation.

In 1642 these disputes broke into open warfare. The king's supporters — known as Royalists or Cavaliers — fought against the supporters of Parliament, known as Roundheads or Parliamentarians.

Oliver Cromwell was a Member of Parliament who became the leading military commander of the Parliamentarian forces. His army — the New Model Army — proved highly effective in battle. The Parliamentarians ultimately defeated the Royalists.

Charles I was captured, tried for treason, and executed on 30 January 1649 — the only time in British history that a reigning monarch was put on trial and executed. England was then governed as a republic (the Commonwealth), and from 1653 Cromwell ruled as Lord Protector until his death in 1658.

After Cromwell's death, his son Richard Cromwell briefly succeeded him but proved unable to maintain control. In 1660 Parliament invited Charles II — son of the executed king — to return from exile and take the throne. This event is known as the Restoration. The monarchy and Parliament reached a new settlement, with Parliament's authority more firmly established.