-
King James VI of Scotland becomes King James I of England
Queen Elizabeth I exercised great political power in her management of finances, ministers and parliament. Following her the death, King James VI of Scotland was crowned the king of England as King James I. This united England and Scotland. He had been king of Scotland for 35 years and was devoted to the divine right of kings. -
The House of Commons Grows in Strength
Following the increased capitalism of the times, there was a great deal of social mobility, increase in wealth and a more educated and articulate House of Commons. They made more and more money by investing their profits.This lead to an increased desire of power. -
English Settlers Establish Jamestown
Jamestown, Virginia is established in the New World. -
The King James Bible is Published
-
Dutch Ships Bring the First Slaves to Jamestown
-
Pilgrims land at Plymouth Rock
The Pilgrims reach Plymouth, Massachusetts. -
King Charles I is Crowned King of England
Following the death of his father, King James I, Charles was crowned the King of England, Scotland, and Ireland. He was an intelligent man, but was considered dishonest and decietful. He dissolved Parliament in 1629, and tried to rule without it until 1640. He taxed the people without their consent, and subsequently the people did not trust him with an army. He also gave the impression of being sympathetic toward Roman Catholics. -
The Bishop Wars Begin
England beings The Bishop Wars with Scotland. They lasted until 1640. It was named after King Charles I's desire to have Scotland rule under a church government with bishops while, Scotland did not. These wars are considered to be foreshadowing to the English Civil Wars later on in the century. -
The Bishop Wars End
The Bishop Wars between England and Scotland end with the signing of The Treaty of Ripon. It favored the Presbyterian form of government. The treaty was a major setback for Charles I and an embarrassing loss. -
The Triennial Act is Passed
The Triennial Act is passed which forced the king to summon Parliament every three years. It was created to ensure the king did not rule without a parliament. If the king neglected to call parliament in, the Lord Chancellor issued writs. If the Lord Chancellor was unable to do so, the House of Lords could assemble and issue writs for the election for the House of Commons. -
Start of The English Civil Wars
The Start of the English Civil Wars, which was a series of wars between the Parliament and the monarchy. It questioned whether soverignty was in the king or the Parliament. In 1645, Parliament organized an army under Sir Thomas Fairfax & Oliver Cromwell. Parliament defeated the Kings Army at Naseby and Langport in 1645. -
The Battle of Naseby
The Parliament Army defeats King Charles I's army in the Battle of Naseby, a major battle in the English Civil Wars. Yet, Charles refuses to accept defeat. -
The Beheading of King Charles I
King Charles I is beheaded for treason against the state, in an act that sends shockwaves across Europe. As a result, England is declared a Commonwealth. -
The English Civil Wars End
Following the defeat of the King's army at Naseby and Langport, the only remaining issue was obtaining an agreement from Charles I regarding the royal authority and church reform but Charles did not accept defeat. In 1647, Cromwell's forces captured the King and dismissed his supporters in Parliament. Charles was put on trial for treason and beheaded. -
Oliver Cromwell Begins Rule
The army that had defeated Charles I controlled the governement and Cromwell controlled the army, therefore putting him into power. The Instrument of Government confirmed this by investing power in the Lord Protector, who was Cromwell at the time. He divided England into tweleve military districts and persecuted Catholics. -
The Signing of the Declaration of Breda
The Signing of the Declaration of Breda lead to The Restoration, which lead to the reestablishment of monarchies and the Crown of England. At this time, both houses of parliament, the courts, local government, and the English church were restored. Charles II said this made the previous 19 years of leadership under Oliver Cromwell "nonexisistant". It failed to solve the problem of Puritains, Catholics, Dissenters, and the relationship between the king and Parliament. -
The Crowning of Charles II
Charles II, the son of Charles I, is crowned King of England, Scotland, and Ireland, reestablishing the monarchy in England, following the Restoration. He was an easy-going, sensual man and was very indifferent. Regarding politics, he got along with Parliament. He established the cabal, a council of five men who served as major advisors to the king and members of Parliament. -
The Triennial Parliaments Act of 1664
The Triennial Parliaments Act 1664 repealed The Triennial Act. This new act required Parliament to be called in at least once every three years, but this was not enforced. -
The Great Fire of London Occurs
The Medieval City of London is burned in a great fire that continues for several days until September 5, 1666. -
The Test Act of 1673
The Test Act of 1673 was passed, which did not allow citizens to vote, preach, hold public office, if they did not believe in the Church of England and accept the Eucharist at mass. These restrictions of the Test Act could not be effectively enforced. -
James II Crowned King of England
Following the death of his brother, King Charles II, James II is crowned King of England, Scotland, and Ireland. He is the last Roman Catholic monarch to rule over England, Scotland, and Ireland. -
King James II Flees to France
King James II and his family flee to France, and remain in hiding under King Louis the XIV of France. -
The Start of the Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution begins, which leads to the overthrow of King James II, due to his Roman Catholic beliefs. Religious tension occured because of this, and many bishops at the time were Protestant. James' wife produced a Catholic heir, which caused a public outcry.To combat the Catholicism, William and Mary were asked to become the king and queen. -
The End of the Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution comes to an end with minimal bloodshed. Protestants William III of Orange and Mary, James II's daughter, are crowned the King and Queen. This recrowning destroyed the idea of the divine right monarchy. When William III and Mary II accepted this throne from parliament, it also recognized the supremacy of the parliament. -
The Act of Toleration is Passed
The Act of Toleration is passed by King WIlliam III, which allowed the freedom of worship. -
The English Bill of Rights is Passed
The English Bill of RIghts is passed under the reign of King WIlliam III and Queen Mary II.
