The English Civil War

The struggle between the king and Parliament began in England in the 12th century. Each king wanted to rule the country without help from Parliament.

King Charles I was at war with Spain and France and needed money. Parliament refused to give the money. King Charles I closed Parliament in 1629 and ruled the country alone for eleven years.

Parliament met again in 1640 and opposed the king. The two sides prepared for war. The king and his soldiers stayed in Oxford. The soldiers of Parliament, led by Oliver Cromwell, were in London. In the Civil War, which lasted twelve years, Parliament won.

King Charles I was executed as an enemy of the country. The Commonwealth was created, and Oliver Cromwell became the Protector. After Cromwell died in 1658, the Commonwealth ended. England was at war with Spain at that time. The government was too weak, so the new Parliament decided to have a king again.