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Jun 15, 1215
The Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was a significant event on the road to democracy because it was the first document to put a limit on the power of the king. It also gave people certain rights and privileges the government couldn't overlook. It was also important during the time of American Colonization, because it gave the colonies a model to develop their own form of government. The document was signed by King John in 1215 -
Charles I becomes King of England
Centuries after the Magna Carta was signed, Charles I became the King of England. Charles believed in the divine right of kings, and he was unwilling to compromise with Parliament. He led a very extrvagant lifestyle, and constantly had to ask Parliament for money. When Parliament refused, he took matters into his own hands, bringing back ancient taxes. This conflict between Charles and Parliament would eventually lead to the English Civil War -
The English Civil War Starts
The English Civil War was fought between Charles I and Parliament. It would last for seven years, with many battles and lots of bloodshed. The Royalists fought the local militia in many small batlles, which Charles won. However, Parliament made an alliance with the Scots and the New Model Army, led by Oliver Cromwell. They defeated Charles at two important battles, Marston Moor and Naseby. Charles was forced to flee to Scotland, where he was taken prisoner and handed over to Parliament. -
The Trial and Execution of Charles I
The Rump Parliament charged Charles with treason in 1649, and put him on trial to be executed. Charles knew the charge of treason was ridiculous, since that meant he was trying to overthrow himself. Howevr, the jury found him guilty and sentenced him to death. On a chilly January morning, after a short speech, Charles was executed. This was a huge sterp towards democracy because it meant England would briefly become a republic. -
The Restoration
After the death of Oliver Cromwell, General Monk recalled the long parliament. They decided to restore the monarchy, and invited Chalres II to take the throne. This was a very popular decision with the people of England, as they were tired of Cromwell's dictatorship. Parliament insisted Charles rule as a Constitutional Monarchy, but he wanted to regain the power his father, Charles I, had lost. When he died in 1685 he was replaced by his brother, James II. -
The Glorious Revolution
James II being on the throne created a problem for Parliament. He was Catholic, and everyone in England opposed the Catholic religion. Rebellion soon broke out and support for James quickly disintegrated. In 1688, Mary, (James' daughter) and her husband William of Orange were invited to take over the throne. James eventually abdicated the throne, an event known as the Glorious Revolution.
This is the first time leaders were chosen by Parliament, not hereditary right. -
The Bill of Rights is signed
The Bill of Rights was a document that made it clear Parliament was the real Government. William and Mary signed it in 1689, officially ending the divine right of kings and making England a Constitutional Monarchy. -
The Stamp Act Commenced
The Stamp Act was one of the 5 intolerable acts. It was a British tax that made the 13 colonies pay for British troops stationed in North America after the Seven Years' War -
The Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a protest by the Sons of Liberty on December 16, 1773. They were mad about all the taxes the British were making, so they decided to go to the harbour and destroy all the tea on the ships. (tea was the most popular British drink at the time) -
Louis XVI becomes king of France
Louis XVI came to the throne in 1774. He was not interested in beingking, and didn't have the qualities neccessary to be a good ruler. He often left important decisions to be made by others, and did little to improve conditions for the lower/middle class. -
The American Revolution begins
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The French Revolution begins
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The Estates General Summoned
The Estates General was a kind of Parliament France had that only met on Royal Command. It included Representatives from all 3 estates (some democracy there!) although the first and second estates had more votng power. The Estates General met to solve the country's financial problems. Although Louis wasn't prepared to give all the power to the people, he did give them a say in some things, such as fixing the tax system. Although there was some conflict, there was hope for democracy in France. -
The Tennis Court Oath
After weeks at the estates general, the third estate broke from the other estates. Led by Count Mirabeau, the delegates retreated to the Royal Teniis Courts, where they took an oath, pledging to continue meeting until France had a new form of Government. Louis was forced to back down and order the other two estates to join the National Assembly. -
Fall of the Bastille
On July 14, 1789, a mob broke out and attacked the Bastille. (a royal prison.) All 7 prisoners were released, and the mob beheaded the Governor and paraded the head through the streets. People started to tear the building apart, brick by brick. This led to the people forming the National Assembly -
Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen was passed by the National Assembly in late August, 1789. This document contained basic human rights the Government couldn't ignore. It contains ideas from many philosophes, such as Locke and Rousseau. Some of the things the document guaranteed was the freedom of thought, religion, and speech. -
Louis XVI executed
The National Convention decided Louis should be put on trial for his crimes against his country. He was tried, found guilty, and executed by guillotine on January 21, 1793. -
The Reign of Terror begins
The Reign of terror was a time from 1793-1794 where everyone in France lived in constant fear of execution. Harsh laws were put in place, and anyone who opposed the new government of France would be executed immediately. Over 37,000 people were killed during this time. Meanwhile, Robespierre was ruling France as a dictator. -
The Directory meets
After the eventual execution of Robespierre, the directory was established as the new Government in France. It was controlled by the middle class, with most power and voting happening with the more priviliged part of society. The thing that the poor had worked so hard for, democracy in France, was all starting to dissappear. That is, until Napoleon Bonaparte became the Emperor of France. -
Government Today!
These events from the English, Amercian, and French Revolutions helped pave the way for the democracy and freedom we enjoy today as Canadians. Without things like the Magna Carta, we would not live life like we do on a day to day basis!
