The House of Stuart was a royal dynasty that ruled Scotland and England from the late 16th century to the early 18th century. It began with Mary, Queen of Scots and included notable monarchs like James I, who was the first to unite the crowns of England and Scotland in 1603. The dynasty is known for its complex political struggles, including the English Civil War. The Stuart line faced challenges such as religious conflicts and power struggles, leading to the eventual establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. The dynasty was restored in 1660 with Charles II but ended with Queen Anne in 1714, marking the transition to the House of Hanover.