Who started the English Civil War? This question has intrigued historians for centuries, as the conflict that raged from 1642 to 1651 was a complex and multifaceted event. While it is difficult to pinpoint a single individual as the sole cause of the war, various factors and key figures played significant roles in its outbreak.
The English Civil War was primarily a result of the deep-seated tensions between the monarchy and Parliament, which had been brewing for years. King Charles I, who ascended to the throne in 1625, had a strained relationship with Parliament, which was primarily driven by his desire for absolute monarchy and his belief in the divine right of kings. This led to a series of conflicts, including the Petition of Right in 1628 and the Civil Wars of the 1640s.
One of the key figures in the lead-up to the English Civil War was Sir Thomas Fairfax. As a prominent military leader and member of the New Model Army, Fairfax played a crucial role in the conflict. While he was not the one who started the war, his military prowess and political influence helped to shape its course.
Another significant figure was Oliver Cromwell, who would later become the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Cromwell was a member of the Parliamentarian cause and played a pivotal role in the victory of the New Model Army over the Royalist forces. However, it is important to note that Cromwell himself did not start the war but rather emerged as a key leader during its tumultuous period.
The religious tensions of the time also played a crucial role in the outbreak of the English Civil War. The conflict was characterized by a struggle between the Anglican Church, which was supported by the monarchy, and the Puritans, who sought to reform the Church of England. The religious divide further exacerbated the political tensions between the monarchy and Parliament.
In conclusion, while it is challenging to attribute the start of the English Civil War to a single individual, the combination of political, religious, and social factors, along with the actions of key figures like Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell, contributed to the outbreak of this pivotal conflict in English history. The English Civil War remains a subject of ongoing debate and study, as historians continue to explore the complex web of causes and events that led to this pivotal period in British history.
