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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta/ Creation of Parliament
The Magna Carta was written by Nobles who did not agree with the absolute power of the monarchy. Instead, they drafted the document which King John then signed, protecting the rights of the elite class specifically, while also paving the way for limited monarchy: the document protected the right to just law and due process and helped establish a parliament where lords were able to advise and participate in government/ creation of laws. -
Jan 20, 1265
Development of Parliment
After Parliament's creation with the Magna Carta in 1215 only upper-class nobles and lords were able to participate in government. However, in 1265, Simon de Montfort's called together parliament and allowed for commoners to take part in parliament. This is the first time commoners or lower-class citizens were able to participate in government, further limiting England's past absolute monarchy. -
Oct 31, 1517
Protestant Reformation
The Protestant Reformation began with Martin Luther's 95 theses, challenging the authority of the Church and thus the Monarchy. With the Protestant Reformations, people began to question authority figures and seek increased freedoms (such as religious tolerance). These ideas directly challenged the English Monarchy. Additionally, Puritans and religious freedom was a motivating factor of the English Civil War which lead to England's limited Monarchy. -
Long Parliament
Long parliament came together to discuss the absolute rule of King Charles I. During this meeting, many leaders and nobles who wanted to challenge the king's power ultimately began discussion and planning for a drastic change in government. Eventually, they would be the group who instigates the English Civil War, during which Charles I is executed, and the absolute monarchy falls. -
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English Civil War/Puritan Revolution
The English Civil was a series of conflicts between those who supported parliamentary rule (Parliamentarians) and Royalists. The war was fought for a variety of reasons but centrally rooted in the desire for more diverse representation and increased freedoms. Over the course of the war Charles, I was executed, his son exiled and ultimately the monarchy's power was replaced with that of the Commonwealth of England/Parliament. -
The Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution solidified the status and power of Parliament. In 1688 King James II ruled over England and wanted to reinstate the absolute monarchy of the past. This directly contradicted the wants of the English Parliament, so to combat such a threat Parliament invited William of Orange to rule, removing King James II and illustrating the sheer power that Parliament held over the monarchy. Ultimately reinforcing the limited monarchy of England. -
English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights, Signed by William III and Mary II (who overthrew King James II) protected the constitutional rights of Parliament, granting the entire Parliamentary body power over the Monarchy/King. This act ultimately clarified the status and roles of different groups within government, establishing the limited monarchy of England.
