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Period: 1200 to
1200-1700
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Jun 15, 1215
The Magna Carta (Libertatum)
On June 15, 1215, King John of England signed this document, unwillingly for his subjects made him sign it. This laid down the idea that the monarch's power was not absolute. Also, this document verified that the people of England had certain liberties that monarchs could not interfere with. -
Dec 14, 1241
The Birth of the English Parliament
The English Parliament, composed of the House of Commons and House of Lords, was established in 1241. Members of Parliament were supposed to aide the King in his decisions. Little did they know that at one point the Parliament would have more jurisdiction than the King/Queen. -
The English Civil War
The English Civil War was an armored dispute between the Parliamentarians and Royalists. The dispute was over the manner of the English government. This war was fought during Charles I's reign of King. It ended in 1651 with Parliamentarian victory. This victory increased the power of the Parliament. -
The Marriage of James II and Anne Hyde
The Protestant population of England was extremely worrisome because King James II was married to Anne Hyde, a Catholic, in 1660. They predicted James would convert England back to Catholicism. Hence, parliamentarians wanted to continue to fight for more parliamentary rights. -
William III and Mary II
William III and Mary II were put on the throne by Parliament in 1689, replacing the monarchy of James II, which was almost absolute. They smoothed the way for a new cooperation between monarchy and Parliament, which created an age of greater freedom and liberty in England. -
Two Treatises of Government
This book was published anonymously by the influential thinker John Lock in December 1689. It was a general argument against absolute monarchy. This inspired lots more people to join the fight against absolute monarchy. -
The Passing of the English Bill of Rights
Parliament passed the English Bill of Rights in 1689. William and Mary both signed this document. It declared that Parliament was above the King in terms of power, and laid out the specific liberties citizens should have and limitations of the power of rulers. This document made sure that the Parliament was officially above monarchs.
