The main conflicting parties during the English Civil War (1642-1651) were the Royalists, who supported King Charles I, and the Parliamentarians, who sought to limit the power of the monarchy and promote parliamentary sovereignty. The war emerged from a series of disputes over how England should be governed and issues around taxation and religion. While the Royalists consisted largely of nobility and rural gentry, the Parliamentarians were supported by merchants, Puritans, and a growing number of townspeople. Ultimately, the conflict resulted in the trial and execution of King Charles I and led to a brief period of republican rule under Oliver Cromwell.