Rise of the Limited Monarchy

Magna Carta

Jan 1, 1225

The magna carta limited the Monarchs power and protected the peoples privilages.

Petition of Right

Jun 7, 1628

This was a major document that singled out specific liberties that the King is prohibited from breaking them. This gave the parliament more power than before.

Oliver Cromwell

Jan 1, 1649

After the death of Charles I Cromwell brought the English Parliament together and created the Commonwealth of England. He took command of the Commonwealth and was considered to be a dictator. He gave false hope of a strong parliment leading itself to success.

Execution of King Charles I

Jan 30, 1649

King Charles I struggled with the English parliament for power frequently. Charles levied taxes with out parliaments approval. He denied parliaments demand for a constitutional monarchy and tried to up hold a full monarchy, He was tried for high treason and executed, abolishing the monarchy and bringing power to the parliament.

Restoration of Charles II

Apr 4, 1660

The restoration of King Charles ended the 19 year reign of the English Commonwealth. Oliver Cromwell, leader of the Commonwealth, wanted it to continue even after his death trying to maintain a hold on England. Charles II restored the constitutional monarchy, another step forward for England.

The Glorious Revolution

Jun 10, 1688

King James II was over thrown by English Parliamentatians along with William III of Orange. This revloution permantly ended Catholicism in England. It also began modern English parliamentary democracy. Monarch's in Britian no longer held absolute power.

Bill of Rights

Mar 1, 1689

The Convention Parliament presented the Bill of Rights to William and Mary as a way to become joint rulers of England. The Bill of Rights limits monarch's powers as well as bringing rights and rules of freedom of speech in parliament. It also requres regular elections for parliament members.