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The Tudor monarchs, especially Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, control Parliament tactfully, recognizing and respecting its role in government.
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James I becomes king and immmediately clashes with Parliament.
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In 1621, James scolds Parliament for usurping royal power, and Parliament responds with a declaration of its own rights. In the last Parliament of his reign, the aging James gives in to Parliament.
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Charles dissolvess Parliament when it tries to expand powers to deal with an economic crisis.
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The Parliament of 1628 produces the Petition of Right, and later Parliaments clash with Charles over what they charge are violations of the document. Charles dissolves Parliament again.
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Faced with economic problems and invasions by Scotland, Charles is forced to call Parliament. The long Parliament, as it became known, works to steadily expand its powers. Eventually Charles strikes back, adopting the motto "Give Caesar his Due."
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War breaks out between Parliament's Roundheads and Charles I's Cavaliers. The parliamentary forces, led by Oliver Cromwell, eventually win.
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In 1649, Charles I is executed.
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Abolishing the monarchy and House of Lords, Parliament rules as a commonwealth with Cromwell as leader.
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Commonwealth fals aprt upon Cromwell's death in 1658.
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Problems plague the nation, and the Commmonwealth falls apart upon Cromwell's death in 1658. Groups in favor of monarchy begin to gain power.
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Charles II works with Parliament to repair the shattered nation, but clashes with Parliament when he works to restore Catholicism.
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In 1678, Charles dissolves Parliament and builds the monarchy's power. His successor, James II, continues to push for Catholic power, and incites a backlash.
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James II flees England in 1688.
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William and Mary become England's monarchs with Parliament's blessing- provided that they agree to very limited powers under Parliament's domination.
