The English Civil War, which took place from 1642 to 1651, involved a series of armed conflicts between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists. The Parliamentarians, led by Oliver Cromwell, sought to limit the power of the monarchy, while the Royalists supported King Charles I. _________ the conflict came to an end with the execution of Charles I in 1649, and the establishment of the Commonwealth of England, which lasted until 1660.