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Charles' dismissal of parliament led parliament to draft a Petition of Rights, which he neglected. After dismissing parliament again, Charles I entered his Personal Rule, where he refused to call parliament and England struggled with economic and religious turmoil. Tensions continued, and Charles was eventually beheaded. This is significant because it shows England's experience with tyrannical absolute governments, inspiring England to limit their monarchy and prevent this from happening again. -
The English Civil War, following the beheading of Charles I, represented a fight for the heir of the English crown and disagreements over the balance of power between the Parliament and Monarch. Coming out victorious was Oliver Cromwell, a military commander for the Parliament in the war. This is significant because the changes in power that took place during the Civil War changed the English government, preparing the it for the changes that would come during the Glorious Revolution.
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During this period, Oliver Cromwell ruled England as Lord Protector, pushing through a series of domestic reforms in religious tolerance and educational reform. Cromwell worked well with Parliament in the beginning, as he has ensured it was composed of his own supporters. However, when his own power was put in question, Cromwell dissolved Parliament. This is significant because it is a continuation of the institutions that had existed before, showing no real change from other absolute rulers.
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The Stuart Restoration, marked by the reigns of Charles II and James II, represents a return to the classic English monarchy that had been in power before the English Civil War. Plagued by economic hardship, religious turmoil, and parliamentary tensions, the reign of Charles II showed no real difference from the reigns before the Civil War. However, Roman Catholic identity of James II, his absolving parliament, and the passing of the Test Act led to James' fleeing from England and resignation.
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William of Orange was asked by Parliament to march against James II, but upon reaching England, William found that James II informally resigned from his rule by fleeing England for France. After this, Parliament and the Protestant church agreed to offer William and Mary (daughter of James and legitimate heir) the crown. No blood was shed during this revolution. This is significant because it ended the Stuart dynasty and installed leaders chosen by Parliament, thus securing parliamentary power.
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Locke's explanation of why the Divine Right of Kings was unreasonable put to death the idea that kings held supreme and unquestioned power in England. This is significant because divine right and unchecked absolute power became generally unpopular after this period, not only politically but socially. -
Parliament offers the English crown to Mary, James II's daughter, and her husband William of Orange. They are crowned jointly and assume their rule without bloodshed. They accept the terms of the Declaration of Rights, limiting their monarchy and sharing power with parliament. This is significant, of course, because it is the actual limitation on monarchs by parliament, which has since been respected.