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Jun 15, 1215
The Issuing of the Magna Carta
On this date, King John of England approved the Magna Carta, which extended rights, such as habeas corpus--the right to protection from unlawful punishment. This document also established a Great Council, which became a precurssor to Parliament, which would later become opposition to King Charles I. Many radicals, such as the levellers, considered the Magna Carta a guideline for the English system of government, to which Charles I was not following. image source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John,_Magna_Carta.jpg</a> -
Nov 17, 1558
The Reign of Queen Elizabeth
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Queen_Elizabeth_I_by_George_Gower.jpg On this date, Queen Elizabeth was annointed Queen of England. In her reign, England slowly became a world power, especially after the defeat of the Spanish Armada. England's economic development benefited the class of gentry . The gentry made up most of the House of Commons. As they prospered, they gained a sense of pride and leadership that was displayed in their resentment of the House of Stuart. -
Petition of Right
This document, set forth by the Parliament of 1628-1629, listed demands by Parliament such as the end of martial law in peacetime and the abolishing of taxation without Parliament's approval. King Charles I agreed to these demands, but ultimately went back on his word and dismissed the Parliament. This was seen as an attack on the rights of Parliament from the view of the gentry, whose anger towards the King grew. image source: >http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Petition_of_Right.jpg</a> -
Scotland Revolts Against English Rule
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Book_of_common_prayer_1596.jpgKing Charles I of England began to impose the Anglican Prayer Book upon the citizens of Scotland, who were primarily Calvinist (Presbyterian). Scotland refused to accept the prayer book, and decided to rebel. In order to field an army for England, Charles I was forced to gain Parliament's approval of new taxes. Parliament refused to grant taxation unless Charles approved of their grievances. Charles refused, which would furthur anger the gentry and sparked the the civil war.
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Long Parliament Called to Order
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CromwellDissolvingLongParliament.jpgAs the war with Scotland drug on, Charles realized he must call Parliament to order. This Parliament would remain in session for thirteen years. The Long Parliament made such changes as the disbarring of the royal courts, the declaration that taxation without Parliamentary approval was illegal, and the law that Parliament must meet at least once every three years.These landmark decisions were all made in their first year of meeting. -
Execution of Charles I
King Charles I was executed after a trial held by Parliament. This was a big practice of the rights of Parliament because kings had been deposed of before, but never through a trial. They ultimately decided that the king should be put to rest, and on Jan. 30, Charles was beheaded, leaving Oliver Cromwell as "lord protector" in charge of the new English republic.
image source http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_execution_of_King_Charles_I_from_NPG.jpg</a> -
The Restoration of the Monarchy
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_arrival_of_King_Charles_II_of_England_in_Rotterdam,_may_24_1660_(Lieve_Pietersz._Verschuier,_1665'
On this date, Charles II, son of Charles I, was crowned King of England. This put an end to the English Republic, and restored the crown's authority over the nation. The government returned to pre-revolutionary form with a few notable exceptions being the laws set forth in the first year of the Long Parliament, which granted Parliament more powers.
