What were the main parties involved in the English Civil War?

The main parties involved in the English Civil War were the Parliamentarians and the Royalists. The Parliamentarians, often referred to as "Roundheads," were composed of those who supported the authority of Parliament over the monarchy. They sought significant reforms in governance and were generally aligned with Puritan and other dissenting religious groups, emphasizing the necessity of parliamentary sovereignty and opposing the King's perceived overreach of power.

On the other hand, the Royalists, known as "Cavaliers," were loyal to King Charles I and defended the traditional monarchical system. They believed in the divine right of kings and sought to maintain the established order, which included the authority of the monarchy and the Church of England.

The conflict between these two factions was rooted in broader issues, including governance, taxation, and religious freedoms, leading to a series of battles and the eventual trial and execution of Charles I. This struggle set the stage for profound changes in British political structure and highlighted tensions that would resonate throughout later democratic movements.