Civil War - GCSE History Definition

A civil war is when different groups in the same country fight each other. They usually fight over who should be in charge, how the country should be run, or whether part of the country should become independent. Civil wars can be very violent and cause a lot of damage, with many people killed or forced to leave their homes. These wars often happen because of political, religious, ethnic, or economic disagreements. In GCSE History, one key example is the English Civil War in the 1600s, where the Royalists (supporters of King Charles I) fought the Parliamentarians (who wanted more power for Parliament). Learning about civil wars helps students understand how conflicts within a country can change its future and affect the wider world.