Why did we have a civil war and who were the roundheads and cavaliers? - Presentation

The English Civil War, a pivotal event in British history, was rooted in profound political and religious disagreements. It was during Charles I's reign that tensions escalated due to his belief in the 'divine right of kings', an idea that placed monarchs above all earthly authority, including Parliament. Charles's frequent conflicts with Parliament over finances and his autocratic style culminated in the 'Eleven Years Tyranny', a period when he ruled without Parliament. His dismissal of Parliament and imposition of heavy fines on the nobility to fund his lifestyle further exacerbated the situation. The final straw came when Charles attempted to arrest his critics in Parliament, which led to his departure from London to raise an army against Parliament, sparking the civil war in 1642.

During the civil war, two factions emerged: the Roundheads and the Cavaliers. The Roundheads, who supported Parliament, were so named due to their short-cropped hair, a style associated with the Puritans. Oliver Cromwell, a key figure among the Roundheads, led the New Model Army to victory, which resulted in Charles I's defeat and subsequent execution in 1649. This marked the first time a reigning monarch faced such a fate in England. In contrast, the Cavaliers, who supported the King, were characterised by their longer hair and elaborate dress. They were often from the nobility and favoured a traditional hierarchy and the established church. The civil war ended with a temporary abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of the Commonwealth of England, with Cromwell as the Lord Protector until his death. The period following the civil war is remembered for the significant changes it brought to the English monarchy and governance.