The path to war
Year-by-year
Follow each of the main moments in the Civil War on the timeline.
Who's who?
Get a grip on the main events in the lives of the Civil War's key players.
The drama which unfolded into a full-scale Civil War was not an entirely domestic issue, but spanned countries and centuries.
The scene is set
A religious change in Europe and the personality of British monarchs set off the first tremors.
The forming of factions
The origins of the Civil War are evident in the early reign of Charles I, but conflict simmered below the surface, leading to a final Breakdown.
The divide grows
When Ireland exploded in rebellion, it drew the King into conflict with his subjects and set the three kingdoms into bloody battle, as each faced Taking Sides.
A nation aflame
After the Royalist advances, the war enters a crucial phase as the nation slips into Total War.
Peace, then a killing
The First Civil War ended in 1646, but political developments between the wars were extremely profound, learn why in Endgame.
The outcome
Charles I's execution solved one problem but created others - who would govern? After the war, came the Aftershocks.
Content last updated: 07/01/2001
