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Death of Elizabeth I
Queen Elizabeth passes away with increasing political instability and tensions stemming between the throne and the House of Commons following her death. -
Coronation of James I
James I (James Stuart) succeeded Elizabeth 1. His beliefs in absolutism, divine right of kings and issues of debt from Queen Elizabeth’s reign would start political tensions between the throne and Parliament that would eventually result in the English Civil War in 1642. Succeeded by his son Charles I -
Gunpowder Plot
A group of English Catholics led by Robert Catesby planned to blow up the house of lords and kill James I. They planned to do so because of the loss in hope in securing greater religious tolerance under King James I. Had the event not been discovered beforehand, the explosion would have killed everyone in the house of lords. The event displays the amount of religious tension that was present during the time between Catholics and Protestants. -
Coronation of Charles I
Charles I succeeds his father James I. He would further his father’s absolutist ideals, even attempting to rule without Parliament at all from 1629 to 1640. Eventually the Parliament would rise up against him in 1642 causing a Civil War that would end in 1649 with his execution. He was succeeded by Oliver Cromwell. -
Bishops' Wars Begin
Political and military conflicts that centered around the nature of the governance of the church of Scotland and the rights and powers of the crown. These conflicts add to a larger conflict between England, Scotland, and Ireland and are often considered to be the prelude to the Englsh Civil War. -
Triennial Act Passed
Passed in 1641 in response to Charles I trying to rule England without Parliament. It required the ruler to summon the Parliament every 3 years. It highlighted the increasing tensions between the House of Commons and the throne which would eventually start a civil war 2 years later. -
English Civil War Begins
War between the Parliament under the New Model Army and Charles I and his forces who had sovereignty in England. Ended with Charles I’s defeat when he was captured in 1647. The war officially ended when Charles I was put on trial by the “Rump Parliament” and was found guilty of treason and summarily executed. Finally ends on September 3rd, 1651. Results in experimentation with a military dictatorship form of government. -
Execution of Charles I and Begining of Interregnum
Interregnmum marks the period of time between the execution of Charles I and the arrival of his son, Charles II, in London. During this time, England undergoes many different forms of Republican government. The puritan view of most members of Parliament and its supporters began to be imposed on the rest of the country. Many things, including holidays and popular pastimes, were restricted and forbidden. However, forms of art were greatly encouraged and the position of Jews improved. -
First of the Navigation Acts is Passed
Passed under Oliver Cromwell, the navigation acts required that English goods must be transported by English ships. It’s most notable effect was the huge boosts to naval trade for the English. Also resulted in a small war between England and the Dutch. The Dutch felt commercially threatened by these acts. -
Rule of Oliver Cromwell Begins
Following the Death of Charles I, Oliver Cromwell, leader of the New World Army, became the head of England under the title of “Lord Protectorate.” Initially instituted triennial parliaments but after several disputes with Parliament, he ignored them altogether and turned England into a military dictatorship. His hardline methods, even with the passing of the Navigation Acts, meant that after his death in 1658, Parliament was willing to return to monarchy rule. -
Restoration Begins
English, Irish, and Scottish monarchies are all restored under Charles II after the Interregnum. This time period, which lasts the reign of Charles II, marks a reversal of Puritan morality. Theatres that were closed during the protectorship of Cromwell were reopened, Puritanism slowed down in growth, and women were allowed to perform on stage for the first time. The period marks both social and political change. -
Coronation of Charles II
After the death of Oliver Cromwell, Charles II came into power, indicating a shift back into a monarchy form of government. Under Charles II, parliament/executive relations were much improved with the existence of "cabal," which is like the modern day cabinet to the president of the United States. However, Charles was found to be making secret deals with Louis XIV on the basis that he was not earning enough money and a great wave of anti-catholic fear swept over the country. -
Coronation of James II
Citizens of anti-catholic England greatly feared the rule of James II due to the fact that he is Catholic. Their fears were realized when James II appointed Roman Catholics to positions in the army, at universities, and local government. James II and his wife and infant son fled to France and became pensioners of Louis XIV when a group of persons offered the English throne to James's Protestant daughter Mary and William of Orange in order to avoid James's son from continuing the catholic dynasty -
Glorious Revolution Begins
Describes the transition of power between James II and King William and Queen Mary from 1688 to 1689. Noted as the Glorious Revolution by the English for the notable lack of bloodshed in comparison to the rules of Oliver Cromwell and James II. -
English Bill of Rights Ratified
Passed shortly after the Glorious Revolution, the English Bill of Rights is considered the foundation of the modern British constitution. It required law to be made in Parliament and prohibited the disbandment of Parliament. It is considered to have turned England into a constitutional monarchy.
