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Period: Jan 1, 1200 to
Events Leading to Limited Monarchy in England
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Jun 15, 1215
Signing of the Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was composed by a group of 13th century barons who wanted to protect their rights and property against a tyrannous king. They argued that the interests of the common man were not taken into account by those who ultimately made national decisions. The two main principles are that no man will be denied justice and no man shall be prosecuted unless by lawful judgement by his peers. -
Petition of Right
The Petition of Right was a major English document that pointed out specific liberties that the king cannot violate. The petition sets restrictions on taxes not implemented by Parliament. It also denies the king the right to house soldiers in citizens houses, imprisonment without just cause, and restricts the use of martial law. It was highly influential in England. -
English Civil War
The English Civil War was an armed conflict between Parliament, known as roundheads, and the Royalists, known as cavaliers. This war was over who should have the power to rule in England, the king or Parliament. It also played a big part in the style of governing in Scotland, England, and Ireland. -
Charles I's Execution
King Charles I was decapitated with one clean stroke. His two children, Elizabeth and Henry, remained under the control of the Parliamentarians. With the death of Charles I, the monarchy was overthrown by Oliver Cromwell and his army. With this, England became a republic and the leadership of the country was put into the hands of the English Council of State -
Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution was the overthrowing of James II by members of the English Parliament with the aid of William of Orange. People were often troubled with the king's Catholicism and his relationship with France. With the Catholicism of James II, it set him apart from both parties in England at the time. The Revolution ended any possibility of Catholicism rising once again in England. -
John Locke's Two Treatises of Government
The Two Treatises of Government are political philosophy essays anonymously written by John Locke. The first confronts Patriarchalism, which defended the concept of absolutism during this time in England. The second is Locke's idea of a civilized society based on natural rights and contract theory, which questions the authority of state over an individual. -
English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights was a document ratified by Parliament that set limits on the power of the crown, and adopted freedom of speech in Parliament with the intent to allow Parliamentarians to speak out against the monarch without fear of persecution. The Bill of Rights set forth the following:
-No Royal interference with the law
-No taxation by the crown
-freedom to petition
-No standing army will be allowed during times of peace
-No royal interference with the right to bear arms
