Key Events and Figures of the English Civil War
The conflict had several distinct phases that changed England forever. The First Civil War ended with Parliament's victory, but tensions continued to simmer. A Second Civil War broke out briefly in 1648, followed by a shocking development - the trial and execution of King Charles I in 1649, an unprecedented act that stunned Europe.
After the king's execution came the Interregnum (1649-1660), when England became a republic called the Commonwealth. Oliver Cromwell emerged as the dominant figure during this period. As commander of the professional New Model Army, Cromwell proved to be a brilliant military strategist who secured victory for Parliament before becoming Lord Protector of England.
Cromwell's death in 1658 created a power vacuum that eventually led to the Restoration of the monarchy. Charles II returned to the throne in 1660, but the balance of power had permanently shifted. Never again would an English monarch claim absolute authority without parliamentary consent.
Think about it: The execution of King Charles I in 1649 was revolutionary - it established the principle that rulers could be held accountable for their actions, even to the point of facing trial and punishment.