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Puritan Revolution

English history

Quick Summary

The Puritan Revolution, also known as the English Civil War, was a series of conflicts fought in the British Isles from 1642 to 1651. It pitted supporters of King Charles I against Parliamentarians, Covenanters in Scotland, and Confederates in Ireland.1

At its core, the revolution was fueled by religious tensions. Puritanism, a movement within Protestantism, sought to purify the Church of England of perceived Catholic remnants. This religious fervor played a significant role in bringing about the conflict.23

The war resulted in the execution of Charles I in 1649 and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. The conflicts ultimately ended with the flight of Charles II in 1651, marking the end of the monarchy's hopes for the time being. The wars were devastating, with estimates suggesting nearly 200,000 deaths across the British Isles.1

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