The event that sparked the English Civil War (1642-1651) was the conflict between King Charles I and Parliament over issues of governance, taxation, and authority. Tensions escalated in the 1640s as Charles attempted to impose his will on Parliament, particularly regarding taxation without consent. His attempts to arrest five members of Parliament in January 1642 were seen as a violation of parliamentary privilege and led to a breakdown in relations. This confrontation ignited a series of battleground conflicts between royalists (supporters of the king) and parliamentarians, ultimately resulting in significant political, social, and religious changes in England.