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Jun 15, 1215
King John signs the Magna Carta
The signing of the Magna Carta created a Parliament in England, limiting the monarch's power and forming an institution that would stand in the way of any seeking too much concentrated power. It would resist many monarchs throughout the centuries and prove the main bulwark against an absolutist regime. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Magna_Carta_King_John_signing_the_Magna_Carta_reluctantly_by_Michael,_Arthur_C_(d_1945).jpg -
Charles I accepts the Petition of Right
When Charles I accepted the petition, he promised to not levy taxes with consent, not imprison people without cause, and not quarter troops in homes, all of which limited royal power. He also set a precedent in which Parliament could check the monarch. Beyond this, when Charles later broke his promises, the relationship between the monarch and Parliament became more hostile. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:King_Charles_I_after_original_by_van_Dyck.jpg -
Beginning of the Long Parliament
This Parliament would be instrumental in creating a limited monarchy, as it took away royal power by abolishing many royal courts, banning the monarch levying independent taxes, impeaching royalists in the church, and declaring that Parliament must be called every three years. It also took military power from the King through the Militia Act, which gave the body the power to raise an army. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PalaceOfWestminsterAtNight.jpg -
Beginning of the English Civil War
This event limited monarchical power by placing it in direct conflict with Parliament. Through the help of Scottish forces and the army of Oliver Cromwell, Parliament triumphed, executing Charles I and instituting the Commonwealth. This entirely removed the monarchy from power and established precedent that Parliament had ultimate authority over monarchs and their legitimacy, not God. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oliver_Cromwell_by_Samuel_Cooper.jpg -
Popish Plot
In this, Titus Oates spread news of a false plot in which the Catholic Queen and the King's brother were plotting to take over. From this came a wave of anti-Catholic sentiment, leading to a limited monarchy by placing Parliament in conflict with the future James II. This resulted in attempts to exclude him from the throne and later action against him and his family. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Titus_Oates_standing_in_the_pillory_surrounded_by_medaillons_Wellcome_V0041679.jpg -
Glorious Revolution
Here, powerful English nobles invited William III, son-in-law of James II to invade after it appeared that a Catholic dynasty would sit the English throne. The couple came and took the throne from James, ascending after signing the Bill of Rights, limiting royal power, guaranteeing rights, and setting precedent in which the monarchs owed their authority to Parliament. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Lords_and_Commons_presenting_the_crown_to_William_and_Mary,_1688.jpg -
Beginning of Sir Robert Walpole's Government
At this time, Robert Walpole assumed control over Parliament after the South Sea Bubble crisis, becoming in effect the first Prime Minister. With most governmental power concentrated in him, Parliament became the ultimate political authority, sidelining the monarchy and their traditional influence. Instead, monarchs would have authority only through Parliament and what they did have would be forever limited. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Retuched_Painting_of_Robert_Walpole.jpg
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