Prevention of Absolutism in England

First Parliament

Jan 20, 1265

Organized by the rebel Simon de Montfort, the first parliament started it all. As long as there is a parliament, there cannot be an absolute monarchy. The parliament called together the people from various geographic areas. This representation is essential in countering absolute rule as well.

Invention of the Wheel-lock Musket

Jan 1, 1500

Although the precise date is not rally known, however it is before 1507, the invention of new weapons such as this gun was essential to the monarch's dependency on the parliament. The Parliament was in charge of the budget. Therefore, with the invention of new weapons, the price of warfare increased, and the monarchs needed the Parliament's help footing the bill.

The Prince - Niccolo Machiavelli

Jan 1, 1532

The publication of humanist works shows that people are interested in being active in their government. Machiavelli was only one of the humanists at the time. Humanism stresses the importance of political activism. Parliament is a way of expressing the public opinion.

War with Spain

Mar 1, 1624

James I went to war with Spain mainly due to Parliamentary pressures. The fact that the Parliament had enough influence to "start" a war, and refuse to pay for it shows just how strong the Parliament was becoming. As the parliament steadly grew stronger, the monarchy grew weaker.

The Short Parliament

Apr 1, 1640

Although the Parliament was convened and dismissed at the whim of the potentate, the ruler is still forced to listen to what they say. In this case, the Parliament wouldn't give King Charles I the funds to support the war with Scotland unless he adressed the probelms that they had outlined for him. The fact that the Parliament was able to blackmail him into acceptin their terms shows the steady rise of the Parliamentary power.

The Long Parliament

Nov 1, 1640

The Long Parliament is the one that set everything up. They executed the advisors to the king, banned courts that enforced royal policy, and prohibited the levying of new taxes without parliamentary support. They also made sure that the Parliament met once every three years and that the king couldn't disband it unless it concurred. This seting up of the Parliament shows that they are planning on staying. It expanded their power at the expense of the monarchy, preventing absolutism.

The Glorious Revolution

Nov 5, 1668

The Parliament overthrew James II. William of Orange successfully invaded England and a republic was established. This is about as far from an absolute monarchy as it is possible to get!