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Charles I Becomes King
Charles I becoming king heightened the fragmentation between the monarchy and Parliament. Parliament distrusted the monarchy when Charles became king and Charles only encouraged that distrust through his actions towards Parliament. This distance and distrust between Charles and parliament eventually led to the English civil war and limited monarchy. -
Petition of Right
The Petition of Right was a petition from Parliament to King Charles I seeking the assurance of several rights for the English people. The petition was meant to hold the monarchy to the law and limit its power. -
Long Parliament Convenes
The Long Parliament convened in 1640 in order to increase their power within the English government. Parliament impeached several people, abolished the royal courts, and put limits on how much the monarch can dictate Parliament. -
English Civil War Begins
The English Civil War gave Parliament more authority and influence over the English people than ever before. For example, the Militia Ordinance that gave Parliament the ability to create its own army drastically increased its power in the English system of government. -
Charles I executed
After Charles I was executed Parliament abolished the monarchy, the house of Lords, and the Anglican Church. This initial abolishment of the monarchy set the stage for the later limitations placed on it by Parliament. -
Glorious Revolution
William of Orange and his wife Mary became the new rulers of England after help from Parliament. Parliament declared them rulers in 1689 and in exchange the new rulers recognized Parliament's rights and authority. -
Introduction of the Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights introduced in 1689 limited the power of the monarchy and guaranteed the civil liberties of the English upper class. English monarchs would also be under the control of the law and rule with Parliament's agreement. Parliament would also be called into session every three years, which is significant given earlier monarchs' avoidance of Parliament.