It finally starts: The English Civil War
After Charles lead soldiers into the House of Commons and tried to arrest the radical members of Parliament, the English Civil War began. It that would last for 7 years and bring England into a low point.
King Charles I did not have an official army so he rounded up "Royalists" or "Cavaliers" who were skilled nobles. The Parliament had their own troops; farmers and townspeople who had control of the navy to fight called Milita. The only problem was the Milita did not have any experienced in war. Charles managed to win the first small battles but Parliament began to make an alliance with the Scots to build their army. Oliver Cromwell was the leader of the New Model Army who had soldiers known as "Roundheads." The Roundheads had short hair, were highly disciplined, religious, and well equipped. Things started to turn around for the Parliament. Cromwell's army defeated Charles at two important battles at Marston Moor in 1644 and Naseby in 1645. The king fled to Scotland where he was handed over to Parliament.
King Charles I did not have an official army so he rounded up "Royalists" or "Cavaliers" who were skilled nobles. The Parliament had their own troops; farmers and townspeople who had control of the navy to fight called Milita. The only problem was the Milita did not have any experienced in war. Charles managed to win the first small battles but Parliament began to make an alliance with the Scots to build their army. Oliver Cromwell was the leader of the New Model Army who had soldiers known as "Roundheads." The Roundheads had short hair, were highly disciplined, religious, and well equipped. Things started to turn around for the Parliament. Cromwell's army defeated Charles at two important battles at Marston Moor in 1644 and Naseby in 1645. The king fled to Scotland where he was handed over to Parliament.
What happened during the ECW?....
Pride's Purge & Rump Parliament
While the Royalists and Roundheads were fighting, the Puritans and Presbyterians were left in charge of parliament. This was a big problem because of the diversity of their religion and opinions. The Presbyterians were not against to Charles returning only if they were able to limit his power, but the Puritans wanted to abolish the monarchy completely. Rebellion broke out and the parliamentary army sent Colonel Pride to drive out the 143 Presbyterians out of parliament. Pride's Purge left the remaining Puritans to form the Rump Parliament.