Charles I (King of England)

Charles I was King of England from 1625 to 1649. He believed in the divine right of kings, asserting royal authority over Parliament and the courts. His reign was marked by religious conflicts, high taxes, and attempts to rule without Parliament, which led to tensions. These disputes contributed to the English Civil War (1642-1651), a brutal conflict between the monarchy and Parliament. Charles was ultimately defeated, tried for treason, and executed in 1649, making him the first English king to be legally executed. His death led to a short-lived republic and significant changes in England's government.