Cavaliers and Roundheads essays

Cavaliers and Roundheads essays Two different political groups, the Cavaliers and Roundheads fought for power during the 17th century civil war in England. The Cavaliers put their support behind the king, Charles I. They believed that one man with direction would be better and less confusing then many men fighting over the fate of the country. The Roundheads supported the Parliament, and did not believe that an absolute monarch should run the country. They thought one person having the say over everything would be a good idea. Cavaliers, also called royalist, did not believe the parliament should have power. They were Roman Catholic as opposed to the Roundheads, who were Protestants. Their fashionable wigs differed greatly then the fashion of the Roundheads. The word Cavalier stands for gallant and haughty. No great leader existed like Cromwell proved to be for the Roundheads. The Roundheads, also known as Parliamentarians, opposed the Cavaliers, and they supported the Parliament. Their name referred to the short haircuts that they wore. They did not care about being fashionable like the Cavaliers. The stern and successful Oliver Cromwell led the Roundheads. However, upon his death in 1658 the Roundheads slowly fell in power thanks to Olivers son, Richard. The Cavaliers and the Roundheads fought over power during the 17th century. Initially, The Roundheads won thanks to the tactics of Cromwell. Over 3,000 Roman Catholics died in one battle. However, after the death of Cromwell, his son proved unworthy of power. The Parliament restored Charles II as king. Many differences existed between the two political parties. The Cavaliers stayed on the side of the king, and the Roundheads stayed on the side of the parliament. Much fighting occurred, but in the end not too much got accomplished. Cromwell actually refused the crown, but still had won the battles. After his death, The Cavaliers restored power to King Char...