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English Civil War and Oliver Cromwell

Study note

The English Civil War broke out in the 1640s as a struggle for power between the king and Parliament. The supporters of King Charles I were known as Cavaliers, while the supporters of Parliament were known as Roundheads. It was a war within England between these two sides, not a war against France or Spain.

Parliament's forces won, and King Charles I was defeated and executed in 1649. England then became a republic, sometimes called the Commonwealth, led by Oliver Cromwell, who took the title Lord Protector. The monarchy was not abolished forever, however. After Cromwell's death, the monarchy was restored in 1660 when Charles II became king. The dates to fix in mind are 1649 for the execution of Charles I and 1660 for the restoration of the monarchy.

Memory tip: Charles I loses his head in 1649; Cromwell rules; monarchy restored 1660.

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Question 1 of 5

Which king was executed in 1649 after the English Civil War?

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Show all questions and answers for English Civil War and Oliver Cromwell(5 questions with explanations)

English Civil War and Oliver Cromwell: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Which king was executed in 1649 after the English Civil War?

    • Henry VIII
    • James I
    • Charles I
    • George III

    Correct answer: Charles I

    Charles I was executed in 1649 after losing the Civil War to Parliament.

  2. 2. Who led England as a republic after the Civil War?

    • William of Orange
    • Robert the Bruce
    • Oliver Cromwell
    • Guy Fawkes

    Correct answer: Oliver Cromwell

    Oliver Cromwell led the republic (Commonwealth) before the monarchy was restored.

  3. 3. Which of these statements is correct?

    • Charles I was executed in 1666 after the English Civil War
    • Charles I was executed in 1649 after the English Civil War

    Correct answer: Charles I was executed in 1649 after the English Civil War

    Charles I was executed in 1649.

  4. 4. Which statement about the English Civil War is NOT true?

    • Supporters of Parliament were called Roundheads
    • Supporters of the king were called Cavaliers
    • The monarchy was permanently abolished and never restored

    Correct answer: The monarchy was permanently abolished and never restored

    The monarchy was restored in 1660 under Charles II, so it was not permanently abolished.

  5. 5. Which statement about the English Civil War is correct?

    • It was won by the Spanish Armada
    • It was fought between supporters of the king and supporters of Parliament
    • It ended the Roman occupation of Britain
    • It was a war between England and France

    Correct answer: It was fought between supporters of the king and supporters of Parliament

    The Civil War was between the king's supporters (Cavaliers) and Parliament's (Roundheads).

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