The English Civil War, which took place between 1642 and 1651, significantly shaped modern Britain by establishing the precedent for parliamentary sovereignty over the monarchy. The conflict arose from power struggles between King Charles I and Parliament, leading to the rise of figures such as Oliver Cromwell. The war resulted in the temporary overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the Commonwealth, altering the relationship between the state and religion, as well as prompting debates about rights and governance. The war's outcomes set the stage for future constitutional developments in Britain, including the Glorious Revolution.