The English Civil War and the Commonwealth were important times in British history. Many key people played big roles during this exciting but difficult time. Let’s look at these important figures:

Key Figures of the English Civil War

1. King Charles I (1600-1649):

   • King Charles I was the main person in this conflict. He believed that kings had the right to rule without question. Charles tried to have control over England by raising taxes and pushing religious practices that many did not like. This created tension between him and Parliament. Because he refused to find common ground, the civil war began.

2. Parliamentarians:

   • The Parliamentarians were people who opposed King Charles. They were also called Roundheads. Key leaders among them included:
     • Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658): He was a major military leader. Cromwell led the New Model Army and helped win battles against the king’s forces. After the war, he became a top leader in the Commonwealth and eventually took the title of Lord Protector.
     • John Pym (1584-1643): He was a key member of the Long Parliament. Pym was a smart politician who pushed for challenges to King Charles and helped gather support for the Parliamentarians.

3. Royalists:

   • The Royalists were supporters of King Charles I and were known as Cavaliers. Some notable figures included:
     • Prince Rupert of the Rhine (1619-1682): He was a royalist commander and a cousin of King Charles. Rupert was known for his horse tactics and won several early battles in the war, although he faced challenges later.

The Commonwealth Period

After King Charles I was executed in 1649, the monarchy ended, and England became a republic called the Commonwealth. This time was marked by:

1. Oliver Cromwell:

   • Cromwell became the most powerful political and military leader. His rule was strict and followed Puritan beliefs, leading to both military successes and social changes.

2. The Rump Parliament:

   • This was what was left of the Long Parliament after a big event called Pride's Purge in 1648. During this event, Royalists were removed from Parliament. The Rump Parliament played a key role in the trial and execution of King Charles I.

3. Major-General Thomas Harrison (c. 1600-1667):

   • Harrison was a strong supporter of Cromwell and an army officer. He played an important role during the Commonwealth and pushed for big social changes.

These important figures and their actions helped shape British history during the English Civil War and the Commonwealth. Their struggles for power and the role of the monarchy still influence Britain's political landscape today.