Causes:
- Religious disagreements: The state church of England, established by Henry VIII in the 16th century, was dominated by the bishops. Many English people, known as Puritans, wanted to reform the church and remove bishops.
- Parliamentary authority: The English Parliament wanted more power to control the king. King Charles I believed in the divine right of kings and refused to give Parliament more authority.
- Economic issues: The English economy was in decline in the 17th century, leading to increased taxes, economic hardship, and popular discontent.
Key events:
- 1642: Parliament declared war on King Charles I. The Royalists (supporters of the king) were based in the north and west of England, while the Parliamentarians (supporters of Parliament) were based in London and the south.
- 1644–45: The Parliamentarians won a series of victories, including the battles of Marston Moor and Naseby.
- 1645: King Charles I surrendered to the Scots, who handed him over to Parliament.
- 1646: King Charles I was tried and executed for treason.
- 1649: The Parliamentarian leader, Oliver Cromwell, established the Commonwealth of England.
Consequences:
- The English Civil War resulted in the execution of the king and the establishment of a republic.
- The war also led to religious freedom in England and the growth of Parliament's power.