English Civil War - Cromwell is Victorious

With religious freedom came two important ideas: The state had no right to interfere with the church - and - Charles I was a tyrant.  Not everyone agreed, with some people viewing the goings-on as anarchy.  

The King met Cromwell for the first time when Cromwell, victorious at the end of the first civil war, asked Charles I to consider a deal.  The King made a promise, which he had no plans to keep, instead joining with Scottish forces against Cromwell.  That led to more fighting.

In 1648, the second civil war ended badly for Charles and the Scots.   On the 1st of December, the army seized the King.  It was the beginning of the end for Charles.  He was tried, in January of 1649, in a “trial of mutual disrespect.”  

The verdict was never in doubt.  After he was found guilty, a death warrant - calling for the King’s head - was issued.  He was publicly executed on the 30th of January, 1649.

See, also:

English Civil War - Background

English Civil War - Life After the King is Beheaded

English Civil War - Lord Protector Cromwell

Credits

This video clip, from Dr. David Starkey's documentary on the British monarchy (Monarchy with David Starkey) helps us to understand what happened.  Online, courtesy BBC Worldwide Channel at YouTube.