The Second English Civil War ended with the defeat of Royalist and Scottish forces, directly leading to the execution of Charles I and the founding of the Commonwealth of England.
Key Facts
- Duration
- February to August 1648
- Theater
- England and Wales
- Key Royalist rising regions
- South Wales, Kent, Essex, Lancashire
- Outcome date
- End of August 1648
- Consequence
- Execution of Charles I, January 1649
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following his defeat in the First English Civil War, Charles I exploited divisions between Scottish Presbyterians and English Independents. When Parliament's Presbyterian majority failed to disband the New Model Army in late 1647, they allied with Scottish Engagers to restore Charles to the throne, setting the stage for renewed conflict.
The Second English Civil War was fought from February to August 1648. A Scottish Engager invasion was accompanied by Royalist uprisings in South Wales, Kent, Essex, and Lancashire, and support from sections of the Royal Navy. Parliamentary forces under Oliver Cromwell and Thomas Fairfax suppressed these poorly coordinated risings by the end of August.
The defeat of Royalist and Scottish forces led directly to the trial and execution of Charles I in January 1649 and the establishment of the Commonwealth of England. The Covenanters subsequently crowned Charles II King of Scotland, precipitating the Anglo-Scottish War of 1650–1652.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Oliver Cromwell, Thomas Fairfax.
Side B
2 belligerents