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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta was signed
The Magna Carta was written by a group of barons to protect their rights and property against the king. It attempted to stop King John from abusing his power. The Magna Carta was the first main challenge to a monarch's absolute rule. Image Source:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d7/Magcarta.JPG -
Jan 1, 1295
Model Parliament established
The Model Parliament was the English parliament set up in 1295 by Edward I, the first to include representatives from outside the clergy and aristocracy. It was established because Edward needed the support of the whole country against his opponents (Wales, France, and Scotland). This Parliament established an outline in which the following Parliaments would be based on (structurally). Image Source:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/Edward_I_E.jpg -
Petition of Right signed
The Petition of Right was passed in 1628. It contains restrictions on non-Parliamentary taxation, forced billeting of soldiers, imprisonment without cause, and restricts the use of martial law. Charles I was forced to sign it by his people. This restricted the monarch's power over Parliament. Image Source:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/11/Petition_of_Right.jpg -
Charles I's Personal Rule
During his personal rule, Charles I attempted to impose the English episcopal system and prayer book on the Scots. They rebelled, and he was forced to call Parliament to finance the war. Parliament refused to consider funding the war until grievances were addressed. Charles I refused, and Parliament was dissolved. Image source:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/de/Anthonis_van_Dyck_072.jpg -
Long Parliament is Convened
Parliament, mainly consisting of landowners and merchants, long distrusted Charles I. When the Long Parliament convened in November of 1640, it had widespread support. When Charles I attempted to create an army to fight the Scots, Parliament passed the Militia Ordinance, which gave it the right to raise an army of its own. This gave Parliament power over the monarch. Image Source:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/LongParliament.jpg -
Declaration of Indulgences blocked
The Royal Declaration of Indulgence was Charles II attempt to extend religious liberty to Protestant nonconformists and Catholics. The Cavalier Parliament in 1673 forced him to withdraw this declaration. Parliament refused to fund his war efforts until he took back this declaration. This revealed Parliaments power over the monarch, overruling a declaration of a monarch. Image Source:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/King_James_II.png -
The Glorious Revolution
Parliament saw a way to overthrow the James II: William III and Mary II. Mary II was the Protestant daughter of James II from his first wife, and William was her husband. William took a small fleet from the Netherlands to England and marched on London. James fled to France, and Parliament proclaimed William and Mary the new monarchs. William and Mary recognized a monarch-limiting Bill of Rights. Image Source:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/William%26MaryEngraving1703.jpg
