Who would you support, King Charles I or Parliament? - Worksheet

This worksheet presents an engaging opportunity for students to delve into the historical debate between the supporters of King Charles I and the Parliament during the English Civil War. By asking the question "Who would you support?", the worksheet encourages students to critically evaluate the positions of both the Roundheads and the Cavaliers. Students are prompted to articulate their own arguments for supporting either side by listing reasons under the headings "Why I would support the Roundheads" and "Why I would support the Cavaliers". This exercise not only aids in understanding the historical context of the conflict but also develops persuasive writing and critical thinking skills.

The worksheet further prompts students to reflect on the significance of "gunpowder, treason and plot", a reference to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, an event embedded in British history and commemorated annually on Guy Fawkes Night. Additionally, it poses fundamental questions about the causes of the civil war and the distinctions between the two opposing factions: the Roundheads, who were Parliamentary Puritans, and the Cavaliers, who were loyal to the monarchy. This inquiry serves to deepen students' understanding of the complex political, religious, and social factors that led to this pivotal period of British history. The worksheet is a product of Focus Education (UK) Ltd, a resource designed to support educational development and historical comprehension.