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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
Limited the monarch's power, protected civil liberties, said persons could only be punished through the court system. Brought more equality between monarchy and it's subjects -
Petition of Right
A list of demands made by Parliament protesting the unfair imposition of taxes, quartering of soldiers, and jailing of debtors. Charles I agreed to it, but dissolved parliament until further notice. This helped lead to a limited monarchy because English subjects grew angry when their rights were cast aside so carelessly. -
Long Parliment
Decreed that Parliament couldn't be dissolved without its consent, the king must call Parliament into session, and taxes cannot be levied without Parliament’s consent. This further limited the absolute powers of the monarchy. -
Oliver Cromwell's Rule & Beheading of Charles I
Though Cromwell ruled as Lord Protector, he was an important step in the transition from absolutism to limited monarchy. The beheading of Charles I (1649) under his rule showed that people were willing to under go drastic changes to obtain their rights and stand up for their beliefs. Cromwell disbanded parliament, and this (along with many religious and political grievances) lead to the Restoration. -
Restoration
Charles II returned to restore the monarchy after Cromwell’s death. This was a step towards a limited monarchy because Charles II and his successor James II were more tolerant than Cromwell and previous monarchs. There was still much political and social turmoil though, and this helped lead to the Glorious Revolution and final usurpation of the royal throne. -
Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution was a peaceful revolution in which the English monarchy changed hands. William of Orange and his wife Mary invaded England and overthrew the reining monarch James II. James fled to France and Parliament declared William III and Mary II as the rightful rulers of England. This was a step towards limited monarchy because it showed that the people had control over who ruled them and it was the first time they “choose” their leaders. -
Bill of Rights
This assured citizens that their civil liberties would be protected. It also held the monarchs to the same laws as everyone else, and further limited their power. It said the Parliament will always be called into session to counter the monarchs power. Limited monarichal rule.
