7.3 Seven Steps to a Limited Monarchy

  • The Magna Carta
    Jun 15, 1215

    The Magna Carta

    The Magna Carta was created before the First Baron's War and it caused the war to start. The Barons and King John's subjects forced him to sign the Magna Carta and it is still used as one of the foundational documents of Great Britain. The document insured that the monarchy cannot infringe upon certain rights of the English people. This was the first challenge to royal power in British history.
  • The Establishment of Parliament
    Jan 20, 1265

    The Establishment of Parliament

    Parliament was established with the Magna Carta and started as a way for Aristocrats to check the Monarch's power. Parliament was given the ability to levy taxes. More importantly though in 1265, the members of Parliament were then elected, giving the power to the constituents who voted their members of Parliament in. Parliament in itself becomes the main governmental body that checks the Monarch's power.
  • The English Civil War

    The English Civil War

    The English Civil War started when Charles I ignored much of Parliament and decided to try to gain absolute control of England. He used the concept of "divine right of kings" to justify his actions and he completely ignored Parliament. The country then split when Parliament defied his rule and people either supported King Charles or Parliament. This again challenged the idea of Absolutism in England.
  • The Rise of the Landed Gentry

    The Rise of the Landed Gentry

    The Landed Gentry is the landowning social class of England. They existed in 1540 but rose during the height of the English Civil War. The Landed Gentry weren't just made up of nobility, though. They were made up of nobility and also common people who owned land. They acted as a conglomerate group that spoke for what they believed was the best course of action for their country. They also sided with Parliament during the English Civil War.
  • The Execution of King Charles I

    The Execution of King Charles I

    This event essentially ended the English Civil War, for King Charles I was the main perpetrator and focal point of the English Civil War. His execution marked an eleven year gap between rulers in England, where Oliver Cromwell took power who is another controversial figure. The execution did send a message though to future monarchs of England, and that was to not question the power of Parliament.
  • The Ratification of the Bill of Rights

    The Ratification of the Bill of Rights

    The Bill of Rights was ratified by Parliament on December 16th, 1689. This is a monumental change to British society because it ensures the rights of all citizens at the time. This, again, broke down the powers of the Monarchy and was another check to ensure there never was an absolute ruler in England. The Bill of Rights also placed Parliament above the Monarch in terms of power.
  • The Passing of the Act of Settlement 1701

    The Passing of the Act of Settlement 1701

    The Act of Settlement of 1701 was the final blow during this time period to the Monarchy. Essentially, the Act of Settlement allowed Parliament to determine who the next Monarch would be in the case of there being no living heir to the throne. This would give Parliament another power of the Monarchy to ensure there was no absolutism.