Cavaliers and Roundheads

During the English Civil War (1642–1651), Cavaliers and Roundheads were two opposing groups. Cavaliers, also called Royalists, supported King Charles I and wanted to maintain royal authority. Roundheads, led by Parliament, sought to limit the king's power and promote parliamentary rule. The terms reflected differing styles: Cavaliers often wore long hair ("cavalier" style), while Roundheads had short hair, symbolizing their parliamentary, more Puritanical stance. The conflict ended with the defeat of the Cavaliers, leading to the temporary abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic under Oliver Cromwell.