Roundheads facts for kids
The Roundheads were a group of people who supported Parliament and Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War. They were also known as 'Parliamentarians'. They fought against King Charles I and his supporters, the Cavaliers, who were also called 'Royalists'. The soldiers in the Parliamentary army often wore red coats. The British Army continued to use red uniforms for many centuries after this war.
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Who Were the Roundheads?
The Roundheads were the supporters of the English Parliament during the English Civil War, which happened from 1642 to 1651. They were called "Roundheads" because of the short, close-cropped haircuts many of their soldiers and supporters had. This was different from the longer, more fashionable hair worn by the Royalists.
Why They Fought King Charles I
The main reason the Roundheads fought was over power. King Charles I believed he had a divine right to rule, meaning he thought God had chosen him. However, Parliament believed they should have more say in how the country was run, especially when it came to laws and taxes.
There were also religious differences. Many Roundheads were Puritans, a group of Protestants who wanted to make the Church of England simpler and remove anything they saw as too similar to the Catholic Church. King Charles I and his supporters were seen as being too close to Catholic traditions, which worried the Puritans.
Key Leaders of the Roundheads
The most famous leader of the Roundheads was Oliver Cromwell. He was a skilled military commander who helped create the New Model Army, a very effective fighting force. Cromwell believed strongly in the Roundhead cause and played a huge role in their victories. Other important leaders included Sir Thomas Fairfax.
The English Civil War
The English Civil War was a series of battles fought between the Parliamentarians (Roundheads) and the Royalists (Cavaliers). It was a very important time in English history because it changed how England was governed.
Battles and Outcomes
The war began in 1642. Major battles included the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644 and the Battle of Naseby in 1645. The New Model Army, led by Cromwell, won many of these key battles. Their victories eventually led to the defeat of King Charles I.
After the war, King Charles I was put on trial and executed in 1649. For a time, England became a republic, meaning it was ruled without a king. This period was called the Commonwealth, and Oliver Cromwell became its leader, known as the Lord Protector.
Life After the War
The time after the English Civil War was very different for England. While the Roundheads had won, their rule did not last forever. After Oliver Cromwell died in 1658, the monarchy was brought back in 1660, and King Charles II, the son of Charles I, became king. This event is known as the Restoration.
Even though the monarchy returned, the English Civil War had a lasting impact. It showed that Parliament had significant power and that a king could not rule without its support. This helped shape the way the British government works even today, with a balance of power between the monarch and Parliament.
Images for kids
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A Roundhead inquisitor asks a son of a Cavalier, "And when did you last see your father?" —William Frederick Yeames (1878).
See also
In Spanish: Roundhead para niños
