Chapter 10 : English and American Revolutions A violent civil war in England between supporters of the Crown and those of Parliament during the 1640s ended with the defeat of the monarchists. The republic under Oliver Cromwell brought reforms and efficient government, but many English people resented its Puritan rules. The monarchy was restored under Charles II, and the king and Parliament shared power. The next monarch, James II, angered the English again with his desire both to strengthen the monarchy and restore Catholicism as a state religion. He was replaced by Mary, his Protestant daughter, and her husband William. England went on to develop into a constitutional monarchy. The North American colonies, which enjoyed a large measure of self-government, opposed Parliament's efforts to enforce trade laws and impose taxes on them. Great Britain's attempts to put down the rebellious colonists resulted in the American Revolution and eventually an independent United States of America.